11 KILLED IN RIVAL CULT CLASHES IN EDO, ENUGU

By NBF News

No fewer than eleven persons were said to have been killed in clashes between rival groups at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State and the campus of the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. Daily Sun gathered that out of the eight killed in Ekpoma, one was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps call up letter.

Although details of what led to the clash at AAU was sketchy as at press time, it was gathered that the clash was between the Maphite Confraternity and the Black Axe which has been on in the past one week.

The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, [PPRO], ASP Peter Ogboi in a telephone interview confirmed the incident, saying that three persons have been confirmed dead, while two have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Like in Ekpoma, there was palpable fear at the IMT campus yesterday as students and lecturers scampered for safety in the face of danger just as the body of a student was seen lying lifeless at one corner of the campus.

Daily Sun investigations revealed that the clash between members of Black Axe and Vikings had erupted at about 10.00am when a bus loaded with persons dressed in black shirts stormed the premises and started shooting indiscriminately.

Two persons were reportedly killed on the spot, while the third died while being rushed to the hospital from wounds he sustained in the gun duel. Rector of the Institute, Prof Edwin Onyeneje, who confirmed the development, however, said that only one person was killed in the clash, stressing that information reaching him indicated that another person was killed around the Maryland area of the state by the groups.

He said that the school had taken enough security measures to ensure that the development was put on permanent hold, stressing that security had been beefed up with regular and Mobile Policemen. Meanwhile, Police said yesterday that it has taken extra measures to ensure the safety of students, lecturers and members of the public entering the premises of the institution.

It explained that no arrests had so far been made, adding, however, that investigations were in top gear to track down the hoodlums that carried out the act. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said the gallantry of Police saved further casualties, assuring the public that calm had been restored in the school.