The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists following a violent clash in Nsugbe community, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday behind Nwafor Orizu College of Education, where groups of armed men were seen attacking each other with cutlasses, bottles, daggers, and other weapons.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was carried out in collaboration with local vigilante operatives. He said a swift response led to the arrest of four suspects: Oyachonam Friday, 26; Akachukwu Ekwenze, 23; David Chukwuma, 25; and Eziolise Aloysius, 23.
During the clash, Chukwuma sustained machete injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Ikenga added that the suspects confessed to belonging to the AYES confraternity, while others involved in the fight fled into nearby bushes.
“The case is under investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the police statement read. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassures Ndi Anambra that the Command remains relentless in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes in the state.”
The arrests come days after gunmen, suspected to be cultists, stormed a burial in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, killing at least four people and injuring about 15 others.
The recent incidents have heightened concerns over cult-related violence across Anambra communities. Authorities say operations will be intensified to curb the activities of criminal gangs.
