By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

A renewed cult clash in Cross River has claimed two lives in Akam and Okuni communities in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victims of the renewed cult war were said to be killed at different locations in Okuni and Akam.

The state Command of the Nigeria Police confirmed the killings and said the renewed cult clash is between rival cult group of KK and Vikings.

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo-Obase, said that a tactical team had been mobilised to the area to bring the situation under control.

“We are aware of the situation. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, has sent a tactical team to the area. They are on the ground, trying to make sure the area is calm.

“The command will ensure those responsible for the killings are arrested and brought to book,” she stated.

Ugbo-Obase, however, noted that Ikom has been very calm as the Police have been able to tame cultism in the area in the past.

A source who spoke on anonymity on the matter to NAN, said what began as a localized conflict in Okuni community on Saturday, later snowballed into a full-blown crisis.

“On Saturday, a member of the Klans cult group, Alobi Nsor, was gunned down in cold blood, an act that now appears to have been just the opening salvo in a horrifying sequence of attacks.

“This action was what led to the rival group storming Akam community for a retaliatory mission,” the source said. (NAN)