Edith CHUKU
24 years old Akinbule Godstime, 28-year-old Oghene Ochuko and 32-year-old John Pius, have been taken into custody by the Delta State Police command, for cultism related activities.
During their arrest at Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, the police said it recovered two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expensed cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and items suspected to be charms.
This was revealed on Friday, by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who disclosed that their arrest was made possible following intelligence about a gathering of suspected members of a confraternity.
Edafe said the command also arrested 94 other suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated operations in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe local government areas on Thursday.
The PPRO noted that the operations were carried out by personnel of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad and Command Anti-Cultism Unit.
He said “the recovered weapons comprised two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols.
“The police also recovered 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.
“In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, the police arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, with items suspected to be linked to the same cult group.
“The command also arrested 10 male suspects in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, in connection with suspected cult activities.”
The police spokesperson further revealed that the suspects and recovered exhibits were in police custody, while investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, commended the operatives for their efforts.
Erale directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups across the state.
