Cult Clash in A/Ibom Leaves One Injured, Buildings Burnt, Police Launches Manhunt For Suspects
Uko Etim, Uyo
A cult clash in Inua Eyet Ikot Phase 2, Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has left two buildings razed and one man injured with gunshot wounds.
A statement by the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday, said that the incident occurred at about 2:45 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the statement, the preliminary investigations reveal that the violence erupted when a suspected cult leader, Iraq ‘m’, led his gang to attack their rivals at a motel where they were lodging.
The Statement said four rooms were torched, and two motorcycles were burnt during the clash. It added that the police have launched a manhunt for Iraq and his gang members, and efforts are in top gear to track them down for possible prosecution.
The statement further added that Operatives rescued a man from a nearby river, who was found with gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical attention.
The statement reads: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified efforts to bring those responsible for the attack on residents of Inua Eyet Ikot Phase 2, Ibeno Local Government Area, to justice.
“At about 2:45 a.m. on Monday, 10th February 2025, the Command received a distress call about an attack in the community.
“Operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene, but the assailants had already fled. Preliminary investigations revealed that two buildings were set ablaze, while one man (name withheld) sustained gunshot wounds on his right leg and left shoulder.
“He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
“Following a fact-finding visit to the scene by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adamu Mohammed Bello, fresh intelligence has linked the attack to a cult clash.
“Further details gathered from a man (name withheld) indicate that the violence erupted when a suspected cult leader, one Iraq ‘m’, led his gang to attack their rivals at a Motel (name withheld), where they were lodging. During the incident, four rooms were torched, and two motorcycles were burnt.
“In a related development, operatives this morning rescued one man ( name withheld) from a nearby river. He was found with gunshot wounds and has been taken to the same hospital, where he is responding to treatment.
“Meanwhile, efforts are in top gear to track down Iraq and his gang members for possible prosecution.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the proactive leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements. No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this attack face the full weight of the law.
“Residents are urged to remain vigilant and provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations. The Command also encourages the public to report suspicious activity through the available emergency lines,” it added.
