The Zone 13 Police Headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra State, has made progress in combating a suspected cult group wreaking havoc in Ihembosi community, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
The arrest comes after the group allegedly invaded Las Vegas Hotels Limited in Ubahu village, unleashing terror on its premises.
Law enforcement officials have apprehended 11 members of the suspected cult group, with a further 12 individuals currently evading capture. The arrests were conducted following a potent petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 13, Godwin Aghaulor. The petition, submitted by Chief Omenife Onwuatu, proprietor of Las Vegas Hotels Limited, sought urgent intervention to quell the menace posed by the group.
The invasion, which occurred on March 10, 2024, saw the culprits wielding a formidable array of weapons, including charms, cudgels, cutlasses, and axes. The group, described by Onwuatu as “idol worshippers,” reportedly conducted rituals in front of the hotel, threatening violence and even death to its occupants.
In a detailed petition dated April 16, 2024, Onwuatu outlined a litany of offenses committed by the suspects, including cultism, terrorism, and ritualism. He emphasized the brazen nature of the attack, noting that the perpetrators filmed their actions and disseminated the footage online, exacerbating fear among staff and patrons.
Aghaulor, confirming the arrests, reiterated the commitment of the police to conduct thorough investigations into the matter. He assured the public that a manhunt is underway to capture the remaining fugitives.
Despite pleas for bail from the suspects’ counsel, the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the Zonal Criminal Investigations Department has ordered their continued detention pending further inquiries.
