The police command in Anambra says it has foiled a planned cult war in Enugwu Ukwu and arrested two suspects linked to the plot.
The command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Saturday that officers acted on intelligence about a gathering of “a dangerous cult group” preparing for a violent confrontation.
He said operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad moved to the scene in the early hours of December 4 and made two arrests.
“The operatives arrested Oluebube Ifediorah, 21, and Emmanuel Offorbuike, 25,” Mr Ikenga said.
He noted that the suspects were apprehended in Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka LGA, after officers swiftly secured the location.
Mr Ikenga said a locally-made double-barrel shotgun and two live cartridges were recovered during the operation. He explained that the firearm was found in a red bag carried by Ifediorah, while other members of the group fled on sighting the police.
The spokesman said efforts were underway to locate the fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider network behind the gathering. He added that the action formed part of ongoing measures to “rid the state of cult-related violence and criminal activity”.
Police commissioner Ikioye Orutugu urged residents to provide credible information to help curb cultism and other crimes.
(NAN)