By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards flushing out cultism from Delta State, officials of the Delta State Police Command has clamped down on cultists in the State, and arrested 51 suspected cultists.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Bright Edafe, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the Command, acting on a tip-off, stormed the venue of cultists’ anniversary celebration in Ogwashi-Uku.
It said “On 15/6/2022, the Command received a tip off, that some suspected Eiye Confraternity Cult group will be marking their anniversary in Ogwashi-Uku. The Command swiftly acted on this information and located where and when the ceremony will be held.
“CP Ari Muhammed Ali detailed the Command’s Buffalo Patrol team, operatives from Area Command Ogwashi-Uku and Ogwashi-Uku Division, stormed the venue at Big Apple Hotel in Ogwashi-Uku.
“The suspects on sighting the Police took to their heels, while some of them shot at the Police. They were given a hot chase by the team and fifty-one (51) suspected cultists were arrested, two cut to size locally made guns, one expended cartridge, Eiye Confraternity regalia were recovered.”
The suspects, the statement said, have been transferred to the Command Anti-Cult unit (SACU) for investigation.
Those that would be found wanting at the end of investigation, it said, will be charged to court.
It added “In another development, the Command arrested one Omoraka James, ‘m’ age 80yrs in Kokori. The suspect’s premises was raided by the Command Raider’s Unit on the strength of an information received that he deals in Cartridges, sells to hoodlums which they use in carrying out various nefarious activities.
“One hundred and fourteen (114) rounds of live cartridges were recovered from him.
“Similarly, Eagle Net Special Squad while on stop and search duty along Sapele-Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota Hiace Bus with reg no OLG 13 EFR and subjected the passengers to a search.
“During the search, six locally made double barrel guns concealed in an umbrella belonging to one Mrs. Victoria Itila were recovered.”
The statement said that the suspect was arrested, while investigation is still ongoing on the case.
While urging parents and guardians to monitor and teach their wards on the need to stay away from cultism and vices, the CP warned in strong terms that the Command under his watch will not tolerate any form of cult related activities in the State.
According to him, the Command will go all out in identifying them, their hideouts, arrest and ensure that they are brought to book.
The CP also admonished members of the public to continue to “partner with the Police by providing useful and timely information to the Police that will help in the fight against crime and criminality.”