Edith CHUKU
No fewer than 15 persons were arrested on Sunday by security operatives of Eleme Police Division in Rivers State.
They were arrested during an alleged initiation exercise at a forest between Alode and Onne in Eleme LGA.
They are believed to be members of university based confraternity, a cult group said to be among the three dominant cult groups in some tertiary institutions in the state that often engage in supremacy and territorial control battle.
It was revealed that over 100 young men had gathered for the initiation when the police, acting on credible intelligence stormed the forest and arrested some while others fled.
It was reported that the initiation of new members is a routine exercise by the cult groups aimed at boosting membership base of the group and ensuring continuous dominance of territories.
At the scene, the Eleme Police Division recovered vehicle, drums, and insignias used by cultists.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed the incident. Assuring that, “yes I can confirm the arrest. Investigation has commenced”.
However, the command did not give further details.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, issued a stern warning to individuals particularly politically exposed actors accusing them of arming and manipulating youths for violent purposes.
Ollor described such actions as dangerous, outdated, and unacceptable under his administration.
The chairman reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance against any attempt to weaponize young people or destabilize the peace of Eleme, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
He further assured residents of sustained collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and protect critical infrastructure, emphasizing that Eleme will remain secure for lawful activities.
Investigations are ongoing, with security agencies intensifying efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects, their sponsors, and ring leaders.
Authorities have also affirmed that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
