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Tag: cult

  • One reported dead during cult initiation in Edo

    One reported dead during cult initiation in Edo

    One person has been reported dead following alleged drilling during a cult initiation process at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo .

    A source told NAN that the victim died on Sunday following repeated drilling during the initiation exercise.

    The victim, simply identified as Prosper, was said to have approached a family member identified as Cosmos of his willingness to join the Aye confraternity group.

    Cosmos, said to be a senior member of the cult group, reportedly linked him with other members to take him to the initiation venue as he wasn’t attending himself.

    But tragedy struck as Prosper was said to have died during the initiation following repeated drills by members.

    When contacted, CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson of the Police Command in Edo confirmed the incident  in Benin on Monday.

    According to him, one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.

    “The deceased slumped during the initiation and was rushed to a hospital at Jattu, where he was confirmed dead.

    “The suspect is in police custody while investigation on the matter is ongoing,” he said.

  • Cult war in Cross River claims 2 lives

    Cult war in Cross River claims 2 lives

    A renewed cult clash in Cross River has claimed two lives in Akam and Okuni communities in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

    The victims of the renewed cult war were said to be killed at different locations in Okuni and Akam.

    The state Command of the Nigeria Police confirmed the killings and said the renewed cult clash is between rival cult group of KK and Vikings.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo-Obase, said that a tactical team had been mobilised to the area to bring the situation under control.

    “We are aware of the situation. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, has sent a tactical team to the area. They are on the ground, trying to make sure the area is calm.

    “The command will ensure those responsible for the killings are arrested and brought to book,” she stated.

    Ugbo-Obase, however, noted that Ikom has been very calm as the Police have been able to tame cultism in the area in the past.

    A source who spoke on anonymity on the matter to NAN, said what began as a localized conflict in Okuni community on Saturday, later snowballed into a full-blown crisis.

    “On Saturday, a member of the Klans cult group, Alobi Nsor, was gunned down in cold blood, an act that now appears to have been just the opening salvo in a horrifying sequence of attacks.

    “This action was what led to the rival group storming Akam community for a retaliatory mission,” the source said.

  • CP orders clampdown on cult activities in Anambra

    CP orders clampdown on cult activities in Anambra

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a clampdown on unlawful gatherings, especially cult related activities, towards averting supremacy battle among cult groups in the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga made this known in a statement on Monday in Awka.

    “The Commissioner of Police (CP) Anambra state, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering in the state.

    “This follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information that suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today July 7 to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups in the state,” he said.

    Ikenga quoted the CP as saying that these criminal activities could happen within student populated areas, hence the need to step up the security deployment with the School Protection Squad (SPS).

    He consequently instructed the operatives of the command to be on the offensive.

    Orutugu also urged hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments to refuse their facilities from being used to host gatherings associated with cult groups or any related activities.

    According to the CP, the security deployment also involves covert operations with operatives at the Motor and Keke parks and other identified spots to prevent any untoward situation.

    The command, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities, gatherings, or threats to the police, saying the command remains dedicated to a peaceful and secured environment for everyone in the state.

    The CP enjoined residents of the state to call the various Area Commanders or Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their areas of concern, in the case of any threat.

    The SPS is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, designed to protect the schools, students and institutional infrastructure.

  • SAD! Cult related war claims 11 Lives in Anambra.

    SAD! Cult related war claims 11 Lives in Anambra.

    Cult war claimed eight lives late afternoon today(Sunday) as a group of suspected armed cultists engaged each other in a supremacy gun battle at Nibo, Awka South Council of Anambra state.

    It was yet to be ascertained what triggered the tragedy as at the time of filing the report.

    Most eye witnesses who managed to talk to journalists claimed they were still traumatized by the brazen indiscriminate target shootings and killings.

    Nibo, a suburb of the capital city of Awka, according to a witness who declined to give his name, was said to be celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival, a time meant for joy and unity for Nibo indigenes, friends and well-wishers.

    The armed men reportedly stormed eating joint scene of the shootings in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle.

    Jumping out in a commando style they instantly opened fire all over in multiple directions, killing many people in the vicinity instantly.

    The witness described what he saw -“It was like a war zone..

    “The gunmen came out from their vehicle, shooting everywhere. People were running in all directions for their lives, screaming and crying.

    “It was indeed chaotic.”

    “The festivals, meant to bring people together, have been marred by violence and bloodshed.

    “We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking,” said a resident.

    The community is demanding justice for the victims and their families.

    “We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader, adding, “We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security.”

    The police and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to investigate the incident.

    Reacting to the incident, the state police command said it was a cult-related clash.

    The police reaction contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reads:

    SUSPECTED CULT-RELATED CLASH IN NIBO: CP ITAM ORDERS DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL OPERATIVES IN THE AREA

    A press statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga while reassuring citizens of their protection called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action

    The statement read in part, “the Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LG and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam have ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.

    “Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy as the Command calls on the witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.

    “Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    “You can call the Command Control Room at *07039194332* or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at *08039334002*

    While the ugly incident at Nibo claimed eight lives, said to be a clash of rival cult groups three others were also killed in Nodu Village of Okpuno community, another surburb of the northern border of Awka, on Sunday also.

  • UNIPORT reacts to report of cult clash, killing on campus

    UNIPORT reacts to report of cult clash, killing on campus

    The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), says there was no inter gang clash that resulted in the death of any student recently.

    The university Spokesman, Dr Sam Kpenu, said this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    Kpenu was reacting to an online video which claimed that some students of the university recently died during an inter gang clash.

    The spokesman who said that the said incident was a fight between students, expressed worries that it was misreported.

    “We are aware of some inaccurate media reports suggesting that some students died during an incident on campus.

    “Contrary to these claims, no student was killed or injured, it was a mere fight, it wasn’t a cult clash.

    “The university management, the security unit, and the police were swift enough to intervene.

    “The students involved in the fight have been apprehended, and are currently being detained and interrogated by the police,” he said.

    He said it was unfair that the incident was misinterpreted by some sections of the media.

    Kpenu said that the university was strongly committed to the highest standards of professionalism in handling security matters.

    “The university has zero tolerance for cultism, bullying, and any other violent or disruptive behaviour on campus

    “The university is calm, staff and students are going about their normal work and academic activities,” he said.

  • Doomsday cult leader faces trial for d£aths of over 400 followers

    Doomsday cult leader faces trial for d£aths of over 400 followers

    The leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult went on trial on Monday on charges of terrorism over the deaths of more than 400 of his followers in a macabre case that shocked the country and the world.

    Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie appeared in court in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa along with 94 co-defendants, an AFP journalist said.

    Journalists were removed from the courtroom shortly after the start of the hearing to enable a protected witness to take the stand.

    Mackenzie, who was arrested in April last year, is alleged to have incited his acolytes to starve to death in order to “meet Jesus”.

    He and his co-accused all pleaded not guilty to the charges of terrorism at a hearing in January.

     

    They also face charges of murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and child torture and cruelty in separate cases.

    The remains of more than 440 people have been unearthed so far in a remote wilderness inland from the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi, in a case that has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”.

    Autopsies carried out on 100 bodies have found that while starvation appeared to be the main cause of death, some of the victims — including children — were strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

  • Police alert public to possible secret cult initiations nationwide

    Police alert public to possible secret cult initiations nationwide

    The Police Command in Rivers has cautioned the public regarding potential cult-related activities across the country on July 7.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.

    According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.

    “We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.

    “The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.

    “The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’

    Iringe-Koko said that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.

    “The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.

    “It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.

    “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’

    The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.

    She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.

    “Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.

    “Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.

    “Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults,” Iringe-Koko appealed.

  • Suspected cultist dies in aftermath of cult clash in Lagos

    Suspected cultist dies in aftermath of cult clash in Lagos

    A 25-year-old suspected cultist has lost his life to cult clashes in the Ajegunle part of Lagos, police spokesman in Lagos State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said on Saturday.

    He told NAN that police had arrested two suspects in connection with the clashes.

    Hundeyin explained that police received a distress call on Friday that suspected cultists of Nasamu and Iyalode Streets at Ajegunle were engaging themselves in a free-for-all.

    He said the suspected cultists damaged six commercial vehicles at Boundary Roundabout, Ajegunle during the clashes.

    “Based on the report, teams of policemen mobilised to the scene and dislodged the suspects, many of who fled the scene.

    “Police operatives, however, combed the area and arrested two of the hoodlums in their hideouts.

    “One other suspect, a 25-year-old, who was seriously injured during the clash, was rescued and rushed to the hospital where he later died,’’ Hundeyin said.

    He assured that normalcy had been restored to the affected areas, while foot and vehicular patrols had been deployed to forestall any further threat to law and order.

    Hundeyin said investigation was on-going, while efforts were on to arrest the fleeing cultists.

  • Ogun CP expresses worry over rising cult killings

    Ogun CP expresses worry over rising cult killings

    Mr Abiodun Alamutu, Commissioner of Police in Ogun, on Saturday expressed worry over the frequent cult clashes that had claimed lives in the state.

    Alamutu, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Fergus Manger, said this while addressing students during the matriculation of Harvarde College of Science, Business, and Management, Obada-Oko, Abeokuta.

    According to him, the youth who are said to be the next generation of leaders are rather killing themselves and ruining their destiny.

    Alamutu, who said that the situation really called for concerns, urged the students to focus on their studies and shun any form of temptation to join this evil group.

    “It is unfortunate the rate of cult killings in the state and those involved are the youth, those of you who are expected to be the next generation of leaders.

    ” You have to stay away from joining confraternities because it is not a group that you can join and want to leave, no, they won’t allow you, rather they will come after you because they know that you have their secret.

    “You are here to study and you must do your utmost best so that you can grow up and be the very best in the society, which is the reason why your parents sent you to this school,” he said.

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Prof. Onyemachi Ogbulu, said that the institution is an affiliate of the university.

    Ogbulu, represented by Prof. John Ogbonna, Director, Institute for Continuing Education of the university, warned the students to either be ready to conform with the rules of the school or be shown the way out.

    “This matriculation marks your formal admission into university as bonafide students. You must therefore face your studies, stay away from every form of distraction.

    ”The university won’t waste time to show you the exit if you will not conform to the university’s standards,” he said.

    The President of the college, Dr Adebayo Oluwatosin, also urged the the matriculating students to brace up for the academic challenge ahead, saying the school would not condone any act of lawlessness and unseriousness.

  • 4 killed, 11 arrested in Ogun cult clashes

    4 killed, 11 arrested in Ogun cult clashes

    The Police Command in Ogun, on Monday, confirmed the death of some suspected cultists in cult-related clashes in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incidents to NAN in Abeokuta.

    Odutola said that members of Aye group and buccaneer confraternity were killed during the weekend in cult clashes involving the cult groups.

    She explained that one Seun Elewode, a member of the aye cult group, was killed during a shootout between rival cult groups in Adeun area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta.

    According to her, on Feb. 4, around 10.45 p.m. in Oshungboye crescent in Akinolugbade, a suspected cultist was shot dead, while another was shot in the chest.

    ”A suspected member of the buccaneer confraternity was killed at Akinolugbade area of the town.

    ”Another suspected cultist, one Seun Elewode, a notorious member of aye cult group who just returned from prison was also attacked and shot dead at Adeun, Lafenwa in Abeokuta.

    “He was shot dead during a shootout at their hideout in a cool spot during a birthday party,” she said.

    Odutola added that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings.

    Meanwhile, NAN gathered that four persons were reportedly killed, while several others sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries the cult clashes.

    The suspected cultists were reportedly killed in different parts of Abeokuta over the weekend when members of rival cult groups engaged one another in clashes.

    Those who died were said to include members of aye, eiye and buccaneer confraternities.

    It was also gathered that the clash started on Thursday when a suspected leader of eiye confraternity was shot dead in front of his house in Ijeja area of Abeokuta.