NO fewer than 100 suspected cultists have been arrested by police in various location in Anambra State during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Tribune online report.
In a press statement by the state police command, which was signed by its spokesperson, SP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed that the operation started from December 20th and ended days after the new year.
He stated that dangerous weapons such as guns, machetes, axes, cutlasses, live ammunition and other incriminating items were retrieved from the suspects upon arrest.
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The PPRO said, “The operation was in continuation of our efforts to stem the tide of crime and ensure safety of lives and property in Anambra State.
“The Command Special Anti Cultism unit, FSARS and Divisional Police headquarters had during the period carried out a coordinated Raids on criminal hideouts and blackspots.
“Between 20/12/2018 to date, the State Command through its Special Anti Cultism Squad arrested 100 suspected cultists from various location of the State.”
Mohammed, in the statement, reeled out the towns and number of cultists arrested in such locations thus: “In Umunachi, Dunukofia, LGA 4 suspected cultists were arrested, Onitsha 17 Suspects were arrested, Umoji and Umokpu Awka 15 Suspects arrested, Oko community, 4 Suspects were arrested, Anambra/Ifitedunu 8 Suspects were arrested and Awada/Ekwusigo 3 Suspects were arrested.”
He also said that one suspect was arrested at Ezi-Elias, four in Ihiala, five in Aguleri axis, while in Okpuno area of Awka, 10 were arrested. In Awka town, six persons were also arrested, in Nise, five and in Ogidi, 12 were arrested among others.
He noted that out of the 100 suspects, 27 have confessed to their membership of secret cult and have been charged to court, while 37 were screened and released. He said the 36 remaining suspects were undergoing investigation.