Seven persons have been arrested by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, ahead of the November 8 governorship election in the state.
According to the Police Command, the suspects who believed to be cultists, were being recruited by some political groups to cause unrest and rig the forthcoming election.
They were apprehended in the early hours of Sunday at Obinagu, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area, during an initiation ceremony in one of their hideouts.
This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, and made available to reporters in Awka.
Items recovered from the suspects included a 25-litre keg containing a red liquid substance, red ritual cloth, two wooden drums, and footwear belonging to the suspects.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the initiation ceremony was part of their preparation and grooming for election-related thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government Areas,” the statement read.
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“The suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the operatives, but were apprehended after a swift chase. Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest other fleeing members of the group and to uncover linked cult cells within the area,” Ikenga added.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to maintain law and order, warning that the Police would not tolerate any activity capable of disrupting peace, particularly in the build-up to the governorship election.
He also urged parents, community leaders, and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage young people from engaging in cultism and political violence.
