Two cult groups have clashed over over the control of a minibus Park in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
NIGERIACRIME learnt that the clash between members of the Klaans and the Black Axe confraternities left a lot of people dead in Idu, Use Offot, Ekpri Nsukara, and Oniong communities of Uyo.
Some other people were said to have been injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed in the turf war that sent residents fleeing the affected area for fear of reprisal attacks.
According to reports, trouble started when the two fraternities engaged each other in a fierce fight on Sunday over alleged encroachment into some parks earmarked for a different group to collect the parking tolls, forcing angry reactions from the opposing group.
Speaking on the development, a resident of the community, Nora Iwang, said property worth millions of naira have been destroyed in the crisis while thousands have deserted their homes.
READ ALSO: Murder: Two arrested in Ogun
The resident said she stopped plans to return home and passed the night with friends outside the area, following the distressed calls she received from neighbours.
She said, “I thank God that I finally arrived at my house this morning (Tuesday) after my friends called me on Monday evening to sleep elsewhere and not to return for fear of being killed by the rampaging armed hoodlums.”
Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, told newsmen that only four lives were lost in the clash.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson has assured of Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durosinmi’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to book, adding that he has deployed tactical resources to restore order and fish out the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner has sent a clear warning to perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith or face the dire consequences of their actions,” Macdon stated.