Seven persons have been arrested by the combined teams of Police and State Security outfit, Agunechemba in preparation for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State
According to the Police Command, the suspects are alleged cultists being prepared by some political parties to cause trouble and rig the election
They were apprehended on Sunday morning at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka local government area during their initiation in one of their hideouts
A statement by Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, an Superintendent of Police, in Awka informed some of the items recovered from the suspects were one 25-litre keg containing red liquid substance, Red ritual cloth, 2 (two) wooden drums, Footwear belonging to the suspects.
“Preliminary information revealed that the initiation activities were part of their evil ceremony and grooming for election thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government areas.
“The suspects on sighting the operatives, attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended after a swift chase.
“Meanwhile, an Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and to uncover other linked cult cells within the axis.
Ikenga, further said that the commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has maintained that the Command will not tolerate activities that threaten peace, especially in the build-up to the Governorship Election.
He urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage involvement in cultism and political violence.