One dead as cultists sack churches in Akwa Ibom

By BASSEY ANTHONY, Uyo

At least one person has been reportedly killed in a suspected cult clash in Inen community, OrukAnam local area of Akwa Ibom State.

The incident, it was learnt, took place on Sunday, forcing church members to scamper for safety with many sustaining injuries.

It was gathered trouble started on Saturday afternoon when Inen community leaders gathered at the clan council hall for a solemn Assembly, praying for God to intervene in series of cult- related killings that had rocked the area in recent times.

While the prayer session was in progress, suspected cult members invaded Ikot Obio Idang village and killed one person simply identified as ‘Ufot’.

They also reportedly beat others, causing the village clan council members to run for safety.

It was also gathered the suspected cult members regrouped on Sunday morning and waylaid residents of Ikot Obio Idang village as they beat a retail shop trader, seized her wares and left her unconscious in the pool of her blood.

An eyewitness, Udo Akanimoh, told our correspondent that Qua Iboe and The Apostolic Church worshippers close to the scene of the incident were forced to escape as the hoodlums went berserk, manhandling anybody found around the area.

“Till now residents of the community have not returned home and we are afraid of staying here. Our women and children have ran away to neighboring villages,” he said.

Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nnunan Frederick, told The Nation the police headquarters have not received any report of the incident but promised to contact the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area. (The Nation)