... recover guns, rounds of live cartridges, others
By Prisca Nguzo
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested seven suspected cultists while conducting series of targeted operations in the state.
While five of the suspects were arrested by the Commissioner of Police's Surveillance Squad at their hideout in Irete during initiation exercise, two were apprehended by operatives of Orji Divisional Police headquarters near Imo State University, IMSU front gate.
The suspects, who said that they were coerced into cultism are David Obinna and Ebuka Mba, both 22 years old, Wisdom Obiora, 22, Eke Charles, 20, Joseph Akachukwu, 24, Ohaegbulam Bright, 25, and Ugorji Onyekachi, 19.
The Command's spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, in a release availed to newsmen, disclosed that two locally made pistols or shortguns, five rounds of live cartridges, one expanded cartridge, a dagger and weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were recovered from the suspects.
Also, accordingly to Okoye, the arrest of the suspects, who have confessed to be members of Black Axe Confraternity and New Black Movement of Africa was in line with the determined effort of the Command to combat cultism and other social vices that threaten peace and safety in Imo State.
He further disclosed that efforts are underway to apprehend and prosecute the manufacturers and distributors of the locally made firearms.
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The release partly reads, "On 6th October 2024, the CP’s Surveillance Squad, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected cultist hideout in Irete and arrested five suspects who were actively engaged in initiation rituals.
"They disclosed that they had been coerced into cultism by an individual known as Black Face. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing issue of young individuals being drawn into cult activities, often under duress or manipulation.
In a related development, operatives from the Orji Divisional Headquarters made further strides by apprehending two additional suspected cultists, David Obinna and Ebuka Mba, both 22 years old, near the front gate of Imo State University on 7/10/2024.
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"The Command assures the public that thorough investigations are ongoing, and those apprehended will face prosecution upon the completion of credible inquiries. These operations reflect the Command’s commitment to rid the State of cult-related crimes and to ensure a safer environment for Imolites."
To this end, The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has urged parents to discourage their children from associating with cult groups.
"He emphasizes the importance of promoting meaningful and constructive activities within families that enhance community well-being and contribute to a peaceful society."
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