It will be bleak Christmas for some120 suspected cultists who would spend the holiday in police cell, if not prison custody.
They were arrested in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Otukpo, and other parts of the state, the State Commissioner of Police, Ene Okon, announced at a press briefing on Thursday.
According to Okon, the suspects were arrested by the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit during raids of some black spots in the state. The raids, he explained was part of the command’s response to the spiralling cases of cultism in Benue State.
In total, Okon said 120 suspected cultists were arrested; 78 had been charged to court and were being kept in prison custody while five were still under interrogation. Twenty-two who were found blameless were set free without conditions.
While stating that 15 suspected cultists were also caught in Makurdi, Wednesday night, Okon told newsmen that 13 armed robbery suspects were arrested in various parts of the state while two illicit arms manufacturers were picked up in Guma local government area of the state.
While parading the suspects before newsmen, the police boss disclosed that two vehicles, charms, arms and ammunitions were recovered from the suspects.
Since Nigeria is neck-deep in countdown to another general elections, Okon advised politicians to shun destructive campaigns, as well as violence and go about the electoral process without acrimony.
Okon frowned at a situation where politicians and their supporters destroy opponent’s property in the name of politics. He warned that his command will bring down the full weight of the law upon anyone caught in acts capable of disturbing or destroying public peace.
The Commissioner of Police then assured residents and citizens of Benue State that his command will provide adequate security during and after the festive period. But he covets the cooperation of the general public to help him succeed in that onerous task.
Some suspects spoke with newsmen, including: Godwin Akaa, Jonathan Koriyo, Suleiman Stephen and Ukeyima Malu. Though they confessed to the crimes they were arrested for, they claimed to be first offenders.
