Ten dead in Nigeria cult clashes

Cults were originally formed as social groups in the 1960s

Security has been increased around the university in the Nigerian town of Ekpoma after at least 10 students died in fighting between rival gangs.

Officials at the Ambrose Alli University said only one student had been killed after days of clashes.

But Edo state regional assembly member Patrick Ajuenede confirmed 10 deaths in clashes involving guns and machetes.

There has been a recent upsurge in violence between gangs, or cults, as student numbers have risen in Nigeria.

Cloud of fear

One of the Ambrose Alli cults is alleged to have hired mercenaries from another university to carry out the killings which were done in broad daylight over a period of four days.

Edo state governor Lucky Igbinedion has called a state security meeting.

In the meantime, correspondents say the students are continuing their end of semester examinations under a cloud of fear.

Cults first started in the 1960s as social groups but by the 1990s had become notorious for terrorising students and lecturers

Their activities waned after the authorities introduced stiff penalties, including long jail sentences.