By Godwin-Maria UTUEDOYE,
Delta Police Command has arrested 11 suspected cultists in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state after a cult clash between two rival cult.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, the arrest was made following a cult clash between Eiye and Black Axe confraternity in the community that begun on the February 6, 2022, which led to the death of five persons.
The Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, had directed the Command Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), Dragon Patrol Teams and Police Operatives from Agbarho Division to proceed to the said community with a view to ensuring total normalcy is restored to the Community.
According to the police, the DPO Agbarho Division, CSP Sam Ogwa led the teams deployed on an intelligence led operation during which eleven suspected cultist who actively participated in the cult clash that led to the reported deaths were arrested.
The police image-maker said “two (2) pump action guns, one (1) cut to size locally made gun, eight (8) expended cartridges and ten rounds of live cartridges were recovered,” adding that; “The situation has been brought under control and more patrol teams have been deployed to forestall any further breakdown of law and order in the Community.”
Manhunt for the other fleeing suspected cultists is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police while calling on members of the public to help with any useful information that can lead to the arrest of the other fleeing suspects, also urged parent and guardians to monitor, guide and caution their wards to desist from any cult related activities as the Command under his watch will not relent in arresting anyone found wanting and ensuring that they are prosecuted accordingly.
He also warned that the Command is more than ever before determined to fulfil its core mandate which is to protect lives and properties, maintenance of law and order among others and as such will not take it lightly with anybody who tries to cause mayhem of any kind in the state.