Auchi polytechnic cult clash kills seven, police arrest 58 suspects

The death toll in the cult clash at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State has risen to seven, following the killing of two persons in a reprisal on Monday night.

This comes as the police confirmed the arrest of 58 suspects in connection with the mayhems.It was gathered that the fights, which broke out last Wednesday between the Aye and Jurist confraternities following a disagreement over some issues, initially claimed five lives.

The Guardian further learnt that four persons were hacked to death at Iyakpi, a suburb of Auchi, while one was killed in the town that also houses the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Council of the state between Thursday and Sunday nights.

Among the victims slaughtered on Sunday night at different locations in the community were believed to be one Sikiru Jeliu and another identified as Irale Obas, said to have recently completed the one-year National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) scheme.

Confirming the development, police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzor, said 58 arrests had been made.His words: “For now, it is not wise to tell you that the figure is five, six or seven because we are still gathering information as regards the clash and it could still increase within the next one hour.

“We have arrested a total of 58 suspects and more are still under search, and as soon as we get them, we shall bring them to justice.” He added that the state commissioner of police, DanMallam Muhammed, had put adequate measure in place to restore sanity in the polytechnic town and its environs.