Police arrest one as suspected cultists clash in Rivers varsity

The Rivers State Police Command said it has arrested one suspect following a clash by rival cult groups at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Iwofe, in Rumulomeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that suspected Vikings and Black Axe cult groups were battling for territorial control on the campus, leading to gunshots.

The groups, it was learnt, trace the crisis to 2024, when the two groups in a battle of supremacy  clashed, leading to
attack on an executive member of the Aye confraternity, a different group.

Monday’s shooting is believed to be a reprisal, but luck ran out on a suspected cultist as he was arrested by security personnel in the institution, allegedly with a Beretta pistol.

The development caused panic in the institution temporarily as students scampered for safety, even as the suspect was taken to Rumulomeni Police Division at Iwofe

It was gathered that the suspect was later transferred to the headquarters of the Anti-Cultism Unit of Rivers Police Command.

Meanwhile, a viral video which surfaced online showed a female student screaming after spotting an armed student chasing his fellow students.

When contacted, spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that the investigation was still ongoing.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. One suspect is in police custody, and investigation is ongoing.

“Adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent breakdown of law and order. There is normalcy there.”

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