From Emmanuel Uzor (Awka) and Tony John (Port Harcourt)
The Anambra State Police Command has placed strict ban on any gathering by members of any cult fraternity in the state, warning that anybody caught engaging in cult related celebration would be arrested.
The ban is coming at the heels of an annual celebration by one of the notorious cult groups in the country who usually mark their fraternity day on July 7, every year called 7/7.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Toochukwu Ikenga, in a statement said: “Following the information received over time of a group of criminally minded individuals, especially under the guise of the Cult Day planned celebration tomorrow 7th July 2024, an unholy event characterized by violence and bloodshed, the Police Command has advised such persons or groups to desist forthwith as the police are saddled with the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property will not allow such disgruntled elements to reverse several gains made by the security agencies on tackling cult-related incidents and shall deal decisively with anyone found wanting in this regard.
“The command, however, reiterates that such event or any other related activities remains banned and shall not hesitate to invoke relevant laws especially the newly signed anti-cultism law of the state on anyone caught in cult/related activities or any act capable of undermining security in the state.
“To this end, the command warns hoteliers and proprietors of bars, and event/recreation centres to be cautious about such gatherings and their likes in their facilities as there will be consequences if found wanting. Also, parents and guardians are advised to warn their wards to be law-abiding and desist from any act that could cause a breach of peace in the state.”
Ikenga said that the police and other security agencies remain resolute, committed, and dedicated to making the state safer and secure, at all times.
Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command said it has received information about a nationwide celebration of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) scheduled for today, warning to arrest and prosecute suspected cultists.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt, said that the confraternity, also known as Aiye or Black Axe, intends to have this event as a commemoration of their Founder’s Day.
She said the event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7 is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning.
“The command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct among other criminal actions.
“We estimate that the annual AIYE Day celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially in tertiary campuses nationwide.
“Also, the ceremony may likely avail opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State.
“Furthermore, it might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical team commanders to carry out pre-emptive and response raids in all identified cult hideouts, black spots and hotels that may be used as meeting points by the cult leaders, to ensure that the planned AIYE Day celebration does not hold within their AORS, and that suspected cult members are arrested and made to face the law.
“Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies with close monitoring of all higher educational institution campuses, and public places across their AORS, to intercept cult members and frustrate their purpose.”
The police also advised higher institutions of learning to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.