Cult war turned bloody as eight people perished when two rival groups clashed in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In what was seen as battle of supremacy, two rival cult groups- Vikings Confraternity and Black Axe- clashed.
A source which pleaded anonymity told NAN in Esit Eket that the clash started when Black Axe members accosted a Vikings member with a bag in his hands at friends’ night programme at Etebi in Esit Eket.
The Black Axe group, according to the source, searched the bag, seized it because it contained locally made pistols.
The source said the Vikings boy left in anger to meet his group. ‘’They reinforced, went to the friends’ night programme at about 3 a.m. and killed Black Axe member at Etebia where the fracas started.
In the ensuing fracas, four members of Vikings and four of Black Axe were killed.
Two houses were also burnt, including the family house of the leader of the Legislative Council in Esit Eket.
As a result, some young men in Esit Eket had deserted their homes to other local government areas for safety.
The state police public relations officer, MacDon Odiko, confirmed the incident to NAN on Friday, May 21 in Esit Eket.
Odibo, a superintendent of police, said since he received the report the police were taking steps to ensure that they maintain law and order in Uquo, the council headquarters and its environs.
Odiko remarked that the police were doing their best to restore peace and order in the community.
“The police will not tolerate any act that will lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state,’’ he said.
He warned perpetrators of such act to desist from it or face the wrath of the law.
“We are on the trail of those who are breaching the law and soon, the full wrath of the law will catch up with them.,’’ the police spokesperson added. (NAN)
