The Anambra State Police Command has expressed serious concerns over the devastating rise in cultism, drug abuse, and fake kidnappings, particularly among young people between the ages of 18 and 26.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the trend reflects a growing moral decay in society, adding that the police will not relent in clamping down on such illegal activities.
“The Command condemns in strong terms these acts of cultism, drug abuse, and self-orchestrated kidnappings. They are unacceptable and cannot be allowed to fester.
“We attribute this partly to declining parental supervision and poor guidance of children and wards, but we remain resolute in restoring sanity,” Ikenga stated.
The police recalled recent cases in which young couples faked kidnappings to extort huge sums from their parents. In one instance, a girl and her boyfriend staged her abduction and extorted ₦3 million after an initial ransom demand of ₦10 million. In another, a similar pair collected ₦1 million from the girl’s parents after pretending she had been abducted.
The Command also cited the resurgence of cult violence, including a bloody incident at a burial in Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, where suspected cultists opened fire, killing four persons and leaving 15 others injured.
Ikenga said operatives have intensified surveillance, patrols, and intelligence gathering, adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. He noted that hard drug abuse is fueling the surge in crime.
On September 12, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested Chiderah Obochi, 25, at Ifitedunu with quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. Upon interrogation, he confessed to being a drug runner in Umudioka village. A follow-up search at the home of one Ginika Okeke led to the recovery of 11 bags of cannabis sativa.
“The recovered hard substances will be handed over to the NDLEA for further action, while investigations continue to track down suppliers and distributors of these drugs,” the PPRO said.
In another major raid on September 14 at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, operatives stormed a black spot where cultists were reportedly planning attacks. A total of 53 suspects were arrested 38 males and 15 females.
Ikenga confirmed that all the suspects are undergoing screening and profiling, adding that those found culpable will be charged to court.
Reassuring residents, he quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, as saying:
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to protect lives and property and ensure Anambra State remains safe for all law-abiding citizens. Ndi Anambra should continue to support us with timely information as we work to restore sanity.”
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