The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it had arrested about 17 suspected cultists in Inen, Oruk Anam local government council of the state in connection with the death of one Ofonime Uduak during a clash between ‘Debam’ and ‘Iceland’ cult groups.
The Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Federick Nnudam in a press statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal ordered Special operation in the area to immediately investigate and arrest the suspects.
According to him, “On Monday 27th April 2020 at about 1045 am, the Police Command received a disturbing report of a rival cult clash between “Debam” and “Iceland” cult groups at Mbiaso and Ikot Etim communities in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area. The clash culminated in the death of one Ofonime Uduak ‘m’ and Iniobong Kufre Silas ‘m’. While the whereabouts of one Ikpongiforo Etim ‘m’ and Etang Alex Effiong ‘m’ is yet unknown.
‘Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP. Imohih Edgal immediately ordered a special operation in the area under the command of Area Commander, Etim Ekpo, ACP Eze Chijoke, and assisted by O/C Anti-Cultism, SP Daniel Etim.
“The teams involved in the operation are drawn from Etim Ekpo Area Command, Oruk Anam Division, Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Operation Thunder.
“The special operation is yielding results. So far seventeen suspected cultists have been apprehended and more suspects will be arrested in the coming days as investigation and the operations continue. Normalcy has been restored to the affected communities.”
He added that to ensure total decimation of the cult groups, the Commissioner of Police has secured the partnership and cooperation of the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, HRM (Engr) J.J. Obosi and other stakeholders during a security meeting held on Thursday, 29th April 2020 at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler where the Paramount Ruler gave a Royal Proclamation directing his people to give useful information to the Police.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the special operation will continue in the area until all cultists and their sponsors are arrested and prosecuted while assuring the people of enhanced security at all times.
