Cult War Shakes Cross River, Ayade’s Inlaw Shot Dead

By Akanimo Sampson

A WORRISOME cult war in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, has ruptured the peace of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state that is currently in a hurry to industrialise.

iSources from that axis of the state say a man has been shot dead and a liquor store razed in what is widely seen in the troubled area as a kicker for a cult war between the two main groups. The victim, Daddy Ishamali,is said to be a staff of the Federal College of Education Obudu, and a younger brother to the wife of Governor Ben Ayade’s younger brother, Dr. Frank Ayade.

He was allegedly gunned down in a yet to be confirmed location and his body has now been deposited at the Sacred Heart Hospital morgue in Obudu. Suspected members of his group have also razed a liquor shop belonging to another suspected cultist nicknamed AKBC, shortly after Ishamali was gunned down.

It is being alleged that Ishamali was a member of a cult group known as Baggars Confraternity, an affiliate of another bigger group, the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC) generally referred to as “Aro” and “bibam” which literally means bags in the local Bette language.

Already, the liquor restaurant owner AKBC is said to be a member of a rival group, the Clans Confraternity, commonly referred to as “BST”, “Ave”, “Avesy” and “Bi nyam anu” which literally translates as K-leg. AKBC’s shop is located along market road, close to the constituency office of the member representing Obudu in the House of Assembly, Hon. Steve Ukpukpen.

This tragic incident is coming shortly after another unnamed man from Betukwel village, was shot in the back three days ago and is currently receiving treatment at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Obudu. The atmosphere in the town is currently tense with people indoors while shops have closed earlier than usual with Police said to be on patrol.

Special Adviser on Peace and Security to the Local Government Chairman, Patrick “Spokesman” Agogo, is keeping a sealed lips on this development. The Police SPOKESMAN in the state, John Eluu, says he is yet to be briefed on the issue, promising to call the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to find out what happened.