Tensions soared in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as two persons were brutally killed in a violent clash between rival cult groups.
The victims, identified as Paul Eyo and a man known simply as Ekpe, both reportedly belonging to different cult factions, met tragic ends during the conflict.
Eyewitness reports suggest that Paul Eyo, suspected to be a member of the Black Axe cult group, was attacked and killed with machete blows to his head.
Meanwhile, Ekpe, allegedly associated with the Vikings cult, suffered a gruesome death by beheading. Ekpe was also the principal of a local high school in Oron before his untimely demise.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, confirmed the incident during a press conference held at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Friday, October 18, 2024. CP Eribo disclosed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
“On 16/10/2024, at about 6:35 am, operatives of the command were alerted to the presence of a corpse with signs of violence, reported by the youth leader. The body was identified as that of Paul Eyo, male, a suspected member of Black Axe from Eyo Abasi, who sustained fatal machete injuries to his head. Another victim, Ekpe, male, from Eyo-Abasi, believed to be a member of the Vikings cult group, was found beheaded,” the police commissioner said.
He added that the swift response of law enforcement, aided by credible intelligence, led to the arrest of three suspects—Mfon Etim Uzoma, Robert Effiong Etim, and Malachi Williams Ubokulo. The suspects were apprehended at a ravine in Abiak Owo Ebughu, Mbo LGA, believed to be the hideout of the gang responsible for the killings.
Investigations are ongoing as the police work to contain cult-related violence in the area. The recent clash has heightened concerns among residents about the growing influence of cult groups in local communities, particularly in educational institutions.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
