The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested 22 suspects for cult-related activities in the state and in connection with the murder of one of its operatives, one Insp. Usang Egbe.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Odiko Macdon, in Uyo on Saturday.

Mr Macdon said the suspects were arrested between Jan. 20 and Feb. 2.

“Furthermore, on Jan. 30, 2024, at about 11 p.m., relying on credible intelligence, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command arrested one Emem Ime Friday, alias Barracks, a serial murderer from Mbiaso Village in Oruk Anam LGA, who masterminded the Inen Clan cult war.

“Also, on Jan. 22, 2024, at about 5:15 p.m., following actionable intelligence, operatives of Ika Division arrested one Emmanuel Francis Daniel ‘m’ aged 33years of Otomo village in Ika L.G.A., for killing a pastor, one Emmanuel Jimmy Udoh of Nket Abak Village in Ukanafun LGA.

“The suspect, together with others, now at large, shot the pastor to death in the church. Efforts are on to arrest other fleeing suspects,” Mr Macdon said.

The command’s spokesman said that the command would intensify its onslaught against criminal elements in the State.

He urged Akwa Ibom people to remain calm, vowing all perpetrators of heinous crimes in the state will be brought to book.

(NAN)