Deadly clashes between two rival cult groups, the Klaans and Black Axe confraternities, have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 persons in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the conflict began on Sunday in the Nwaniba Area when one of the groups attempted to collect parking tolls at a minibus park, leading to a confrontation with the opposing group.
Nora Iwang, a resident of the community, disclosed that the crisis had caused significant destruction of property worth millions of naira and resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their homes.
She added that she had received several distressed calls from frightened neighbours, which compelled her to stay with friends and relatives outside the area, The Punch reports.
“Thank God, I finally arrived at my house this morning (Tuesday) after my friends called me Monday evening to sleep elsewhere and not to return for fear of being killed by the rampaging armed hoodlums,” Iwang lamented.
Another resident, Anofiok Usen said, “My wife called me at about 7:50 pm on Monday, that I should not return home because of ongoing killings around my area in Udo Ekpo Nkpo Street and the adjoining areas of Nwaniba, Ekpri Nsukara, Eniong Offot and Use Offot communities. I had to take refuge at my sister’s place off Abak road till this morning, Tuesday.”
“Throughout these last three days, we’ve been staying indoors from 6:00 pm because of the fight and the Police operatives would only mount the guard on major roads, harassing ordinary unarmed civilians without going into the villages to confront the real culprits,” another resident, who identified herself as Emem Duncan, told our Correspondent.
Investigations revealed that the violence claimed eight lives in Use Offot and more than ten others in Anua, Ekpri Nsukara, and Oniong communities, while several others were hospitalized with various degrees of injuries.
While confirming the killings, the police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, claimed that only four people were killed. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, was displeased with the disruption of public order and safety by the two rival groups.
He said: “The CP condemned in strong terms the wanton destruction of lives and has vowed to bring perpetrators to book, hence, he has deployed Tactical resources to restore order and fish out the perpetrators.
“The CP has, therefore, called on residents of the said communities and Uyo, to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation and be assured of their safety because of strategies emplaced.
“He has sent a clear warning to perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith or face the dire consequences of their actions,” Macdon said in a statement on Tuesday.
