The police in Akwa Ibom State, located in South-south Nigeria, have announced the arraignment of 29 individuals suspected of being involved in a violent clash in Uyo, which resulted in the deaths of at least four people.
According to a statement released on Friday by the state’s police spokesperson, Odiko Macdon, the suspects have been remanded at the Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre.
Macdon stated, “The Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, has deployed additional tactical resources to identify and apprehend the culprits who are currently at large, as well as their sponsors. He has vowed to bring them to justice as swiftly as possible.”
The 29 suspects were presented in court after a thorough screening process, Macdon added. They were among the 65 individuals who had been arrested in connection with ongoing cult clashes in communities along Nwaniba Road, a major route in the state leading to the permanent campus of the University of Uyo and the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, a five-star hotel.
It has been observed that this area has been plagued by frequent clashes between rival cult groups. The most recent clash, as reported, involves the Klaans and Black Axe groups, who are battling for control over toll collection at bus parks.
The clash initially erupted on Monday in Idu, the headquarters of Uruan Local Government Area, situated along Nwaniba Road. It later spread to neighboring communities in the vicinity.
For several days, the cultists terrorized the affected communities, resulting in the closure of businesses and the displacement of residents due to ongoing shootouts between rival gangs.
However, Macdon, a superintendent of police, has urged law-abiding citizens to continue with their normal activities while encouraging them to provide the police with any information regarding threats to their safety.
In 2018, the Akwa Ibom State Government took decisive action by proscribing 32 cult groups as part of its comprehensive strategy to address the escalating cult violence in the state. This measure was implemented to ensure the safety and security of the residents, and it reflects the government’s firm commitment to tackling the root causes of this issue and promoting a peaceful environment for all.
