From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A clash between rival cult groups in Auchi Polytechnic has reportedly claimed the lives four persons in Auchi, Edo State.
The victims were said to have been killed in different locations during a clash between the Black Axe and Supreme Vikings confraternities which was triggered by alleged shooting of a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member on June 24.
The Youth Corper, said to be a member of the Black Axe confraternity was allegedly shot by a member of the rival Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
He was said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment but was later discharged.
It was learnt that in a reprisal attack, a member of Vickings group was reportedly killed around Mr. Biggs in Jattu, Auchi while three other victims were shot dead around Mechanic Site, Vacchi and Winners Road in the Polytechnic town.
Meanwhile, some lecturers of the Auchi Polytechnic were alleged to have Friday morning abandoned invigilation of the school SPAT Examinations over their alleged involvement in cultism.
The Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Mrs. Adebola Ogunboyowa, while reacting to the allegation, dismissed it and explained that the school ended its SPAT examinations on Friday and students were expected to vocate hall of residence on Saturday.
“The allegation is not true. But in the first place, whatever is happening, maybe the issue of cult clashes, nothing happened in the polytechnic community.
“As I speak to you right now (to our Correspondent yesterday), I am in school and nothing is happening within the polytechnic community.
“Whatever is happening outside the polytechnic community because we have surrounding host communities, we have no power over it”, she explained.
When contacted yesterday, spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to receive any report of cult clash from the Auchi Police Division.