The Enugu Police Command has detained six suspects for forcefully initiating victims into cultism in a forest area of Ugwu Peak, Iva Valley community, in Enugu North Local Government Area.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday in Enugu.

Mr Ndukwe said operatives of the command attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad on December 5, acting on credible information, uncovered and apprehended six male suspects for forcefully initiating victims into the Supreme Vikings Confraternity

He said the act was allegedly committed on November 25 in the Iva Valley community within the Enugu metropolis.

“One locally made double-barrelled pistol and four cutlasses used for their criminal activities, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum used for the initiation, were recovered from the suspects,” he stated.

He said the suspects, whose ages range between 20 and 30, allegedly confessed to being members of a secret cult group and to their involvement in the criminal acts

He stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the completion of the investigation.

The spokesman said the state’s commissioner of police, Mamman Giwa, reiterated his firm commitment to ridding the state of unrepentant criminals and their activities, especially during this festive season and beyond.

Mr Ndukwe noted that the commissioner appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, to cooperate with the police, and to promptly report any criminals and suspicious activities.

(NAN)