The Joint Security Force (JSF) in Anambra has arrested seven suspected cultists allegedly being groomed for violence in the November 8 governorship election in the state.

The state police public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

“In its sustained efforts to curb cult-related violence and ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the November 8 governorship election, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilance Operatives, in the early hours of October 26, arrested seven suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity.

“The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA),” he said.

Mr Ikenga said one 25-litre keg containing a red liquid substance, red ritual cloth, two wooden drums, footwear belonging to the suspects, and other accomplices were also recovered at the scene.

He said the suspects, all males, include Emmanuel Ugorji, 29; Chinuike Ogamba, 22; Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25; Destiny Okasi, 22; Nzube Udewulu, 19; Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21; and Sunday Akuma, 20.

According to Mr Ikenga, preliminary information revealed that the initiation was part of their evil ceremony and grooming for election thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha LGAs of the state.

“The suspects, on sighting the operatives, attempted to flee but were successfully apprehended after a swift chase,” he said.

He said that an investigation had begun to identify and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and to uncover other linked cult cells within the axis.

The police spokesman quoted the state commissioner of police, Ikioye Orutugu, as saying the command would not tolerate activities that threatened peace in the state, especially in the build-up to the governorship election.

Mr Orutugu urged parents, community leaders, and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage involvement in cultism and political violence.

The CP also called on the public to continue providing credible information to help prevent crime and apprehend criminal elements in the state.

(NAN)