In C’River: Seven die, property worth millions of naira destroyed

THE peaceful environment of Okundi village in Boki Local Government in the Central District of Cross River State was thrown into a pandemonium between Monday and Tuesday as no fewer than seven persons have allegedly been killed in a renewed cult war.

  National Light gathered that following the activities of cult groups in the community, the 12 villages which make up the old Osokom clan in Boki LGA had held a security meeting seeking ways to eradicate the group.

  According to our source, as the news of the meeting filtered to the group that the community is plotting to stop their activities, hence they decided to strike the community first.

  It was equally gathered that the cultists allegedly camped in the Apostolic Church in Okundi close to Boki Boys’ Secondary School and at night, they struck and killed their first victim, Joseph Bankong on Monday. “Mr Bakong was an advocate of peace and always condemned the activities of cultists in the area. The rest of the victims were killed on Tuesday,” the source said.

  National Light further learnt that following the killing of these people, the entire community then staged attack on all known cult members in the community killing Alphonsus Etta Ewung, Otu Agbor Edum, as well as Chief Paulinus Otu’s son among others.

  Several houses and property worth millions of naira had been destroyed between Monday and Tuesday when the trouble started.

  Confirming the ugly situation, the Cross River State Police Commissioner, Austine Agbonlahor said that the police had been mobilized to the area to maintain peace.