Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the arrest followed an intelligence report gathered by the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku, on Thursday, February 24, 2022, that some cultists planned an initiation ceremony at the Ukwu Nzu Forest, in the Issele-Uku area of the state.
The DPO was said to have detailed an anti-cult team to the initiation venue.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the police arrested 13 suspects.
“A locally-made double-barrelled shotgun, 25 live cartridges, a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus 350 SUV were recovered from the suspects,” he added.
In another development, operatives of the Delta Dragon 18 Patrol Team, while on a routine stop and search on February 24, along ECN/Otu-Jeremi Aladja Road, reportedly sighted a Mercedes Benz ML 350 and a Lexus 350, parked by the roadside.
The police spokesperson said, “While observing the two vehicles, a kidnapped victim, aged 62, on sighting the police raised the alarm that he had been kidnapped.
“As the patrol team swung into action, advancing towards the vehicles, they suddenly heard gunshots from the abductors, but the security operatives immediately returned fire, which made the hoodlums to abandon the victim and escape into the bush, while the team rescued the victim unhurt.
“On interrogation, the victim disclosed that he was kidnapped around 6.50pm of the same date at the entrance of his gate in Afisere Road, Ughelli.,” the PPRO added.
Also, the police spokesperson said on February 25, around 2.20pm, operatives of ‘B’ Division, Warri patrol team, while on a patrol along lower Erejuwa by Old Welfare Road, received information that a notorious armed robber, popularly known as Getay, and his gang that had been on the command’s wanted list, were operating around the neighbourhood.
“The team immediately proceeded, but upon sighting the police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire on the operatives while the team equally responded.
“In the ensuing gun duel, Getay sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,” he added.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
