The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a suspect after a clash between rival cult groups at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Iwofe, in the Rumulomeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that members of the suspected Vikings and Black Axe cult groups were fighting for control of territory on the campus, resulting in gunfire.
The conflict, it was gathered, dates back to 2024, when the two groups clashed in a struggle for dominance, which resulted in an attack on an executive member of the Aye confraternity, another rival group.
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The shooting on Monday, believed to be a reprisal, led to the arrest of a suspected cultist by security personnel at the institution, who was allegedly found with a Beretta pistol.
The incident temporarily caused panic within the institution as students fled for safety, while the suspect was escorted to the Rumulomeni Police Division in Iwofe.
It was learned that the suspect was subsequently transferred to the headquarters of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Rivers Police Command.
A viral video that emerged online showed a female student screaming in terror as she saw an armed student chasing after his peers.
When reached on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the suspect’s arrest and stated that the investigation was still underway.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. One suspect is in police custody, and investigation is ongoing.
“Adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent breakdown of law and order. There is normalcy there.”
