Tragedy struck Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as two individuals lost their lives in a violent confrontation between rival cult groups. The gruesome killings, which involved the beheading of a school principal, have sent shockwaves through the community.
The victims, identified as Paul Eyo and Ekpe, met their untimely end in what authorities describe as a bloody feud. Eyo, believed to be a member of the Black Axe cult, was brutally hacked to death, while Ekpe, a high school principal and alleged member of the Vikings cult, was gruesomely beheaded.
The chilling incident was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, during a press conference held at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Friday.
“On October 16, 2024, at about 6:35 a.m., operatives were alerted by the youth leader of the presence of a corpse bearing marks of violence. The deceased was later identified as Paul Eyo, a suspected member of Black Axe, who was viciously attacked with machete blows to the head," Eribo stated.
He further revealed that the second victim, Ekpe, a principal from Oron, suffered an even more brutal fate, being decapitated by suspected members of the rival gang.
Following intelligence reports, the police launched a manhunt that led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to the killings. “At around 12:15 p.m., based on credible intelligence, police operatives traced the suspects to Abiak Owo Ebughu in Mbo LGA, where they were hiding in a ravine," Eribo said.
The arrested suspects, identified as Mfon Etim Uzoma, Robert Effiong Etim, and Malachi Williams Ubokulo, are currently in custody and assisting the police with further investigations.
The Commissioner assured residents that the command would intensify efforts to clamp down on cult activities in the region. "We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for this barbaric act are brought to justice," Eribo added.
