No fewer than eight persons have been reported dead in a supremacy cult clash in Akwa Ibom State.

The incident which occurred in Esit, Eket Local Government Area of the state on Friday caused stir in the community.

The statement was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Macdon Odiko.

Odibo said that the report got to him last week, adding that they were taking steps to ensure that law and order are maintained in the council headquarters and environs.

NAN reported that two rival cult groups – Vikings Confraternity and Black Axe – had engaged in a clash of supremacy.

A source, who remained anonymous, disclosed that the clash started at a friend’s programme when some boys accosted a suspected Vikings member who was carried a bag at about midnight at Etebi in Esit Eket.

The source disclosed that when the Black Axe cultists forcefully searched his bag, a locally made pistol was found.

After he was beaten and sent off, the victim left fuming and returned to the friend’s function with reinforcement at about 3.00 a.m.
Following the ensuing fracas, a member of the Black Axe was reportedly killed.

Consequently, a reprisal attack further claimed four members of each cult in subsequent clashes across the State.

Two houses were also said to have been burnt, including the family house of the leader of the Legislative Council in Esit Eket.

The development forced some young men in Esit Eket to desert their homes for other place of safety.

Odiko stated that the Police were trying their bests to restore peace and order in the community.

“The Police will not tolerate any act that will lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state,’’ he said.

He warned the perpetrators of such act to desist from such act or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.

“We are on the trail of those who are breaching the law and soon the full wrath of the law will catch up with them.’’

NAN