Rivers State Police confirm the arrest of one suspect following a violent clash between rival cult groups at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one individual in connection with a violent clash between rival cult groups at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, located in Iwofe, Rumulomeni, within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

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Reports indicate that the confrontation involved suspected members of the Vikings and Black Axe cult groups, who were allegedly engaged in a battle for territorial dominance on the university campus. The clash resulted in the discharge of firearms, causing significant alarm within the institution.

Sources suggest that the underlying tensions between the two groups can be traced back to incidents in 2024. During a previous supremacy battle, the Vikings and Black Axe reportedly clashed, leading to an attack on an executive member of the Aye confraternity, a separate cult group.

Monday’s shooting incident is believed to be a retaliatory action. However, law enforcement personnel within the university apprehended a suspected cultist who was allegedly found in possession of a Beretta pistol.

The unfolding events triggered temporary panic and disruption within the university community as students frantically sought safety. The arrested suspect was initially taken into custody at the Rumulomeni Police Division in Iwofe.

Following initial processing, the suspect was subsequently transferred to the headquarters of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Rivers State Police Command for further investigation.

Meanwhile, a video circulating online captured the heightened state of fear, showing a female student screaming after reportedly witnessing an armed student pursuing other students on campus.

When contacted for official confirmation, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, verified the arrest of the suspect. She also stated that a thorough investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Superintendent Iringe-Koko assured the public that “Yes, I can confirm the incident. One suspect is currently in police custody, and the investigation is actively ongoing.”

She further emphasised that “Adequate security measures have been promptly implemented to effectively prevent any further breakdown of law and order within the university. The situation on campus has now returned to a state of normalcy.”