The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested 17 suspected cultists for the murder of two persons.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP N-Nudam Fredrick, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Uyo, the Police said the cult clash led to the death of two males; Ofonime Uduak and Iniobong Kufre Silas.
He stated that the clash between rival Debam and Iceland cult groups happened in Mbiaso and Ikot Etim communities in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam local government area.
Fredrick explained that following the intervention of the Police, normalcy had returned to the area while investigation into the case was ongoing.
He noted that the Police had entered into partnership with the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam, His Royal Majesty, Johnson Obosi and other stakeholders, leading to a royal proclamation directing the people to give useful information to the Police on the issue.
He stated that the Police will embark on a special operation in the area until all cultists and their sponsors are arrested and prosecuted.
“On Monday 27th April, 2020 at about 1045 am, the Police Command received a disturbing report of rival cult clash between ‘Debam’ and ‘Iceland’ cult groups at Mbiaso and Ikot Etim communities in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
“The clash culminated to the death of one Ofonime Uduak ‘m’ and Iniobong Kufre Silas ‘m’ while the whereabouts of one Ikpongiforo Etim ‘m’ and Etang Alex Effiong ‘m’ is yet unknown.
“Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Imohimi Edgal, immediately ordered for a special operation in the area.
“So far, 17 suspected cultists have been apprehended and more suspects will be arrested in the coming days as investigation and the operations continue,” the statement read.
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