Four Killed As Cult Groups Clash In Kogi

Four persons were confirmed dead at Idah in Kogi State, following a clash among two cult groups over the weekend.

New gathered that the incident occurred when the two rival cult groups clashed at about 10p.m on Friday, leading to the killing of four persons.

Source close to the Federal Polytechnic Idah disclosed to THISDAY that some members of the cultists were from the school, while other members came from another institution outside the state.

The source stated that dangerous weapons such as guns, charms and cutlasses were used among the cultists freely during the clash.

The source added that the four persons died on the spot as people were afraid to come out at that time to carry them to the hospital.

However, the Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of Ukomu Igala Organisation, Prince in a statement issued yesterday in Lokoja, has condemned the recent spate of killings in Idah, Idah Local Government Area (LGA) and its environs.

According to the statement, apart from cult killings and sponsored assassinations, there was a recent clash between rival cult groups, which led to the death of four young men in Idah and described the trend as worrisome.

The statement noted that the people of the community are living in fear as a result of the gruesome murder of Director of Works at the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Mr. Solomon Ayegba Sani by unknown gunmen.

The statement added that a trader was robbed of money and other valuables and killed recently in front of the polytechnic.

The statement, which explained that the development was not acceptable as it was alien to the people, called on security agencies in the state to address the ugly situation.

The organisation also urged security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area and called on the traditional and religious leaders as well as well-meaning individuals to intervene.

Meanwhile, all efforts to speak with the Police Public Relation Officer (PPPRO) of the Kogi State Police Command, Mr. William Ayah, on the killing of the four persons failed, as he refused to take his calls.