By Tony John, Port Harcourt
Security operatives have arrested a suspected cultist at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, amid a violent clash between rival cult groups.
Campus security apprehended the suspect on Monday, April 7, following a supremacy and territorial control battle between suspected Vikings (Baggers) and Black Axe (Aye) cult groups.
Sources revealed that Black Axe members invaded the university seeking Vikings rivals in retaliation for an attack on an Aye Confraternity executive member on 12 August 2024 within the campus. During the ensuing fracas, a Baretta pistol was allegedly recovered from the suspect as students fled for safety.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was initially taken to Rumuolumeni Police Division at Iwofe before being transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit headquarters of the Rivers State Police Command.
Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident to journalists. “Yes, I can confirm the incident. One suspect is in police custody.
Investigation is ongoing, and adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order,” she said. However, she did not confirm the recovery of a firearm.