_Cult Violence Claims Two Lives in Akwa Ibom: School Principal Beheaded, Three Arrested_

_Cult Violence Claims Two Lives in Akwa Ibom: School Principal Beheaded, Three Arrested_

A deadly clash between rival cult groups in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has left two people dead, including a school principal who was gruesomely beheaded. The victims, identified as Paul Eyo and Ekpe, were killed in a bloody confrontation that has sent shockwaves through the community.

According to reports, Paul Eyo, suspected to be a member of the Black Axe cult group, was killed with machete cuts to the head, while Ekpe, the principal of a high school in Oron and alleged member of the Vikings cult group, was beheaded. The brutal killings have sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the escalating violence between rival cult groups in the region.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, confirmed the killings during a press conference held on Friday at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo. Commissioner Eribo revealed that three suspects, Mfon Etim Uzoma, Robert Effiong Etim, and Malachi Williams Ubokulo, were arrested in connection with the killings.

The arrests were made possible by credible intelligence gathered by the police, which led them to a ravine in Abiak Owo Ebughu in Mbo LGA, where the suspects were hiding. The police commissioner assured that the suspects will face the full weight of the law for their involvement in the brutal killings.

The incident has raised concerns about the growing menace of cult violence in Akwa Ibom State and the need for urgent action to address the root causes of this violence. The police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.

Details of the incident reveal that on October 16, 2024, at about 6:35 am, operatives of the command were alerted of the presence of a corpse with marks of violence on it by the youth leader. The youth leader alleged that the dead body was Paul Eyo, male, suspected member of Black Axe from Eyo Abasi, who was given machete cuts on his head leading to his death. Additionally, one Ekpe, male, from Eyo-Abasi, a suspected member of Vikings cult group, was also beheaded.

At about 12:15 pm, based on credible intelligence received, the police arrested Mfon Etim Uzoma, Robert Effiong Etim, and Malachi Williams Ubokulo at a ravine in Abiak Owo Ebughu in Mbo LGA. The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged accordingly.

The police commissioner has pledged to tackle the menace of cultism in the state, stating that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has also condemned the incident, calling for calm and urging residents to support the police in their efforts to address the cult violence.

As the investigation continues, residents of Oron Local Government Area are calling for increased police presence and proactive measures to prevent future clashes.

Two people lost their lives in the clash:

- Paul Eyo, suspected member of the Black Axe cult group, was killed with machete cuts to the head.

- Ekpe, the principal of a high school in Oron and alleged member of the Vikings cult group, was beheaded.

Three suspects have been arrested:

- Mfon Etim Uzoma

- Robert Effiong Etim

- Malachi Williams Ubokulo

The police have assured that the suspects will face the full weight of the law for their involvement in the brutal killings.

The incident highlights the need for collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and residents to address the root causes of cult violence and ensure peace and security in Akwa Ibom State.