The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has instructed operatives to raid cultists’ hideouts across the state, including hotels.
According to the authorities, the command intends to stop the Confraternity Day celebration from taking place in order to avoid potential attacks and bloodbaths by competing cult groups in any region of the state, including higher education campuses.
The command stated that it received information about a planned statewide celebration of its founder’s day from the feared cult group ‘Neo-Black Movement’, commonly known as ‘Aye’ or ‘Black Axe’.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, revealed this in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Saturday and distributed to journalists.
Iringe-Koko stated that the celebration is intended to be observed in all states of the federation, particularly in higher education institutions, and that the confraternity is well-known for campus homicides, inter-cult fights, extreme violent behaviour, and other illegal activities.
She went on to say that the event might spark a wave of violent attacks, inter-cult confrontations, and other activities on and around the state’s postsecondary campuses.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has received information about a nationwide celebration of the Neo-Black Movement scheduled for July 7, 2024. The confraternity, also known as Aiye or Black Axe, intends to have this event as a commemoration of their Founder’s Day.
“The event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7, is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning.
“The Command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and excessive violent conduct, among other criminal actions.
“We estimate that the annual AIYE DAY celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially on tertiary campuses nationwide.
“Also, the ceremony may likely provide opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence, and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State. Furthermore, it might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery.”
To this end, the state police image maker stated that all tactical units and divisional heads have been placed on red alert to locate such locations, intercept cultists, and arrest them in order to avoid any adverse incidents.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc, has directed all Area Commanders, DPO’s, and tactical team commanders to carry out pre-emptive and response raids in all identified cult hideouts, blackspots, and hotels that may be used as meeting points by the cult leaders to ensure that the planned AIYE DAY celebration does not hold within their AORS and that suspected cult members are arrested and made to face the law.”
Continuing, it said, “Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Team Commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies with close monitoring of all higher educational institution campuses and public places across their Areas of Responsibilities to intercept cult members and frustrate their purpose.
“Higher institutions of learning should be advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Educators and school administrators should be observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students in their institutions.
“Parents and guardians should watch keenly over their children and wards during this period and look out for any warning signs in the content of their interactions with friends.
“Community leaders are advised to be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their area. They and local security outfits should synergize and remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities at the closest police station.
”Religious leaders should sermonise their congregants on the evils of secret cults.”
The police also said it remains purposeful in carrying out its duty of maintaining law and order while protecting lives and property.
“We will not relent in dealing decisively with any person or group intent on disturbing the peace that we have assiduously worked to achieve,” the statement added.
