Seven suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity have been arrested during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka areas of Anambra State.
The State Police Command’s Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante Operatives, arrested the suspects in the early hours of Sunday.
A statement by the command said the suspects, all males, were between the ages of 19 and 29 years.
They include Ugorji Emmanuel, 29, Ogamba Anthony, 22, Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25, Destiny Okasi, 22, Udewulu Nzube, 19, Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21 years and Sunday.
The statement said, “Preliminary information revealed that the initiation activities were part of their evil ceremony and grooming for election thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government areas.
“The suspects, on sighting the operatives, attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended after a swift chase.
“Meanwhile, an Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and to uncover other linked cult cells within the axis.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s intolerance to activities liken to threaten peace, especially in the build-up to the Governorship Election.
He urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage involvement in cultism and political violence.
He also called on the public to continue providing credible information that can assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.
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