The police command in Anambra says it is collaborating with the state government to step up patrols and surveillance to forestall planned cult rivalry clashes in the state, especially in Awka.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Awka.

“Following credible intelligence about a planned cult rivalry clash, especially in Awka, Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, have intensified patrols and surveillance to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“The Command has also activated necessary non-kinetic approaches in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of the state on Anti-Cultism and the State Coordinator of Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), to ensure a coordinated strategy in tackling cultism and its associated crimes,” he said.

Umuogbu and Umuogbaru communities in Awka South, on Saturday morning, witnessed the gruesome murder of two youths in different instances by suspected rival cultists.

The community people at the scene of the crime at Umuogbu said that relatives of the deceased quickly removed the corpse before the arrival of the SPACS.

Blood stains and pieces of human flesh were also noticed at the scene of the crime at Umuogbu.

Mr Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, as reassuring residents of the Command’s readiness to respond swiftly to any threat to public safety.

Mr Orutugu urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in cult activities.

He also encouraged the public to report suspicious movements or gatherings to the police for prompt action.

(NAN)