Cult Initiation: 16-yr-old raped as police arrest 24 cultists, 3 kidnappers in Delta

The Delta Command of the Nigerian Police has announced the arrest of 24  cult suspects including a 16 -year-old girl, Otutu Agatha at various locations in Delta State.

A total of three kidnap suspects with ages ranging from 25 to 37 and four armed robbers between the age-range of 27 and 58 were also reportedly apprehended at various points and time in the state.

Ammunitions recovered by operatives of the command included four locally made guns, two fabricated AK 47 rifles, one automated 82 rounds of ammunition (7.62mm).

The arrested cultists, among whom is also a 14-year-old boy, Ajeromu Prosper, were allegedly members of Bagger Confraternity, Vikings, Spy Confraternity, and Junior Vikings among others.

The young female cult suspect, Otutu Agatha, allegedly confessed that she was being raped as an initiation rite into Vikings Queens at a hotel in Ashaka town when the police swooped on them.

Her confession led to the arrest of the  Nwajega Akpoghene, Ossai Friday, Azuka Ugbokwu, Obaro Ubiruo,  and Ezekiel Aziakpono, all from Ashaka town who were said to have confessed to be members of Junior Vikings Confraternity.

Three of the kidnapping and armed robbery suspects, including Christian Jonathan Akpojotor, Bernard Umukoro, and Peter Okon, were arrested for abducting Mr. Peter Emejemite Williams with one Martha Osolo in his Toyota Camry along Akwinakwi road, Ughelli to an unknown destination on October 3.

Based on intelligence, operatives of the command, on October 10, reportedly effected the arrest of Christian Jonathan Akpojotor in whose possession the victims’ two phones were allegedly recovered.

Reports say Akpojotor’s arrest led to the arrest of the second suspect, Bernard Umukoro, who confessed to be the gang’s arms’ conveyor while Akojotor also led the operatives to Benin City in Edo State to arrest Peter Okeh, who allegedly bought the victim’s Toyota Camry.

The police, through its public relations officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed that two other suspects namely: Edejero Ureye, Solomon Ureye and Affray Editor from Enhwe Village in Isoko South were nabbed for armed robbery and fabrication of arms and ammunition.

According to him, items they were caught with included: two fabricated AK 47 rifles, an automated revolver, two single barrel riffles, two locally made pistols, 82 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunitions, drilling machines/equipments and devices used for manufacturing locally made guns and a parcel containing substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp).

He described Affray Editor (33yrs) from Uzere Community in Isoko South LGA, who was allegedly caught on October 19,  as a notorious suspect allegedly involved in series of armed robbery /kidnapping and murder in Isoko area and environs.

Meanwhile, briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Asaba on Monday, Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, reiterated that effective policing of the state during the ember months was a priority of the command.

While appealing for continuous support, CP Ibrahim assured of continued battle against criminal elements, urging
warring communities to sheathe their swords and embrace peaceful dialogue in resolving differences