Tension in Uyo varsity as rival cult groups battle for control
Isaac Job, Uyo
There is tension in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state following renewed hostilities among cult groups that has claimed three lives causing fear and panic amongst students and visitors to the institution.
Our correspondent gathered that students of the university are currently gripped by fear both at the university’s main and annex campuses located along Ikpa Road and Nwana Iba Road respectively.
Some of the students who spoke to newsmen yesterday in Uyo, lamented the incessant attacks from cult groups allegedly from outside the varsity campus.
A student who simply identified himself as Uduak said that “before the last matriculation, there were shootings and during the matriculation proper, there were clashes between rival cult groups.
“Just yesterday, a student was shot dead during a clash between two cult groups at the annex campus. I heard that three more students were shot dead in the early hours of today (Wednesday) at the main campus, even though I have not confirmed that yet. We are afraid that the cult groups that lost their members may come for reprisal attack.”
Also, an engineering student who did not want his name mentioned in print called on the state government to intervene over the development before it gets out of control.
Director of Information, Students Union Government, Mfon John said “this is beyond security on campus,” adding that the union was yet to confirm whether the person killed in Tuesday clash was a student of the University of Uyo.
But, Daily Times investigations reveal that the 300 level student of the department of communication arts identified as Fatherwills Ukpankere, whose corpse was found behind the institution’s auditorium was allegedly killed during Tuesday’s clash.
In a telephone interview, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Odiko MacDon, said the police is aware of the incident, adding that “the commissioner of police is trying to meet with the management of the university in order to strategize on how to tackle the menace and ensure adequate security for the university.”
