In a recent development, the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended four individuals suspected of involvement in cultism and kidnapping activities in and around Eket.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Akwa Ibom Command, ASP Timfon John, the suspects were taken into custody following complaints lodged by concerned residents in the area.
Among the items confiscated from the suspects were an English pump-action rifle, a short machine gun, a locally made revolver pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and four live cartridges.
Detailing the incident, John stated, “Following reports received by the Command regarding clashes between rival cult groups in Eket and neighboring areas, the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, instructed the DPO of Eket Division, SP Felix Ekpoudom, to identify and apprehend the perpetrators for legal action.”
“On April 9, acting upon credible intelligence, operatives from Eket Division arrested Godwin Adam (also known as Nasarawa), aged 35 from Idong Useme Village; Isaac Samuel Bassey, 25, from Assang Usong Inyong; and Emmanuel Hanson Isong, 29, from Idung Uso Village, all situated in Eket Local Government Area, for their alleged involvement in the Black Axe Confraternity and the murder of Kufre Usoro (also known as Promzy), a 32-year-old member of the Klanz Cult group, who was fatally attacked on April 4,” she continued.
In a subsequent operation on April 25, one more suspect, a prominent figure in the criminal activities plaguing the Eket/Etinan/Ekparakwa Axis, was apprehended based on actionable intelligence.