Police arrest 24 suspected cultists, three kidnappers in Delta

Ovie Okpare, Warri

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 24 persons for their involvement in cult related activities and unrest in various parts of the state.

A statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, indicated that the police crack team also arrested three suspected kidnappers for allegedly abducting two victims in Ughelli area of the state.

Aniamaka said the command also arrested four suspected armed robbers and also recovered several ammunitions from the suspects, including drilling machines used for manufacturing locally made guns and an automatic revolver in Uzere Community in Isoko South council area of the state.

Other weapons said to have been recovered from the suspects include two fabricated AK-47 rifles, two single barrel riffles, two locally made pistols, eighty two (82) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition and a parcel containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Giving details of the arrest of the suspected cultists, the statement said, “On the 9th of October 2017, one Eseghene Collins ‘M’ of Ekiugbo Community was attacked by a group of suspected Junior Vikings and Spy Confraternities as he was returning from the community hall.

 “The complainant, who sustained machete cuts on his head and hand, identified his attackers as Sunny, Sunday, Imagbe, Destiny (surnames unknown) and others whom he can identify if seen. A total of 12 suspects were arrested in connection with the attack and belonging to unlawful society.

“On 13/10/2017, at about 1100hrs, one Stephen John Igweonwn ‘m’ of Onunu village in Anambra West L.G.A. of Anambra State reported at SACU office Asaba that one Stephen John Igweonwn ‘m’ and others attacked him and collected his wallet containing the sum of twenty thousand naira only, and one Motorola phone valued yet unknown.

“This led to the arrest of the four suspected cultists who confessed membership of Vikings and Bagger confraternity respectively. Case is under investigation.”

          The statement added that eight other suspects were also arrested for cult-related activities in Ashaka and Ogwashi-uku, noting that the suspects during investigation confessed to be members of Jurist/ Bagger and junior Vikings confraternity.

It added, “Let me reassure the people of Delta State that the Command’s battle against criminal elements is steadily on course. I appeal for continuous support of all residents of the State.

“Once again, it is pertinent to admonish all warring communities to sheathe their swords and embrace peaceful dialogue towards resolving whatever differences they have.”