Police arrest suspected cultists who allegedly attack herders, kill cows

DDM News

Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested several suspected cultists allegedly behind an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

According to a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest followed a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the attack, which led to the killing of two cows belonging to Fulani herders.

The suspects are identified as Utibe Edem Asuquo (31), Godwin Edet Edem (32), Usen Edem Eyo (29), Aniebiet Edet Edem (28), and Anthony Dominic Edem (32).

The police said the attack occurred recently, and the stolen cows were shared among different cult groups in the Ibesikpo community.

According to the statement released on Thursday, May 29, the police stormed the criminal hideout around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, following tip-offs from concerned residents.

The PPRO disclosed that the cult gang had been a source of terror in Ibesikpo Asutan and neighbouring communities, with several reports of intimidation and violence linked to the group.

The suspects, she said, are providing valuable information to assist the police in ongoing investigations.

Recovered from the scene were a locally made pistol, a fabricated single-barrel gun, and items suspected to be charms.

She added that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons used in their criminal operations.

The police did not disclose the exact number of cattle allegedly stolen or killed in the attack but emphasized that the incident marks a growing concern over clashes between local cult groups and herdsmen.

This development has sparked tension among residents, especially in rural areas where herdsmen are known to graze their cattle.

Security experts believe the infiltration of cult groups into rural communities poses new threats to both civilians and law enforcement.

Police in Akwa Ibom have promised to increase surveillance in areas identified as cultist enclaves and to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The latest arrests come amid a broader state-wide crackdown on cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping, which have seen increased police presence in flashpoint zones.

Communal leaders in Ibesikpo Asutan have reportedly pledged to support the police in flushing out cult-related criminality from their areas.

Several local stakeholders have also expressed concern over the increasing number of youths involved in cultism, calling for community-based interventions.

As the police continue their manhunt for the remaining gang members, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The arrest of these suspects underscores the importance of community-police collaboration in ensuring safety and stability in rural regions.

Akwa Ibom State has recorded several cult-related incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and social reorientation programs.

The state government has yet to release an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate it is monitoring the situation closely.

Residents have urged Governor Umo Eno’s administration to prioritize youth empowerment and job creation as long-term solutions to the cultism menace.

Meanwhile, the herders affected by the incident have not been officially identified, and it is unclear if compensation or legal redress will follow.

Fulani herders in southern Nigeria have often faced hostility in some communities due to disputes over farmland, grazing routes, and local laws.

The police have not confirmed whether the attack on the herdsmen was part of a targeted operation or a random act of aggression by the cult group.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor developments around this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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