Rivers: Police foil cult initiation, detain 13 suspects

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Security operatives have arrested 13 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers.

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The suspects were apprehended in a forest between Alode and Onne in the early hours of Sunday.

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An eyewitness, identified as Lene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Monday that about 100 young men had gathered at the location for the initiation ritual.

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He said while the initiation exercise was ongoing, police operatives stormed the gathering.

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“On sighting the approach of security operatives, many of the cultists fled deeper into the forest.

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“However, over 13 of them were apprehended at the scene, while others escaped,” he said.

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Lene identified the group as members of the Aiye Confraternity, popularly known as Black Axe.

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He said the initiation of new recruits was often conducted in the forest to strengthen territorial control in the local government area.

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When contacted, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

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“Yes, I can confirm the arrests. Investigation has commenced,” she said.

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Agabe, however, did not provide further details on the operation.

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NAN reports that cult-related activities have remained a security concern in parts of the state.

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On Saturday, the police, along with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, launched a joint operation.

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The initiative was introduced to combat rising cases of kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes in the state. (NAN)

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