The Abia State Police Command has arrested 17 suspected cultists aged 18 to 28, following a series of violent attacks in Aba.
The arrests came after two high-profile incidents: a fatal shooting and machete attack on May 13 at No. 29 Brass Road, and another shooting on May 24 near Opobo Junction, Ehere. Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit tracked and picked up the suspects at their meeting points and while en route to carry out further attacks.
Recovered from them were 5 short guns, 3 live rounds of ammunition, 13 mobile phones, 2 cutlasses, 1 axe, and a black beret. Police say investigations are complete and the suspects will be charged to court.
CP Danladi Isa, Commissioner of Police, Abia State, said the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property. “There will be no hiding place for cultism and other criminal activities in Abia,” he assured.
Through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, officers are also running awareness programs in schools and communities. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity via: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.
Together, the Command says, Abia can stay safe.