Eleven suspected cultists were in the early hours of yesterday arrested by a police special squad and vigilante group at Oghor community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspects were arrested in response to several rival cult clashes which led to the death of over 20 persons in three weeks in Udu LGA of the state.

The operation, We gathered, was executed at about 2:15 a.m. by Eagle-Net special squad team led by Inusa Danyaya, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and some civilian anti-cult group, when they stormed the notorious criminal hideout in Oghor community.

Security sources disclosed that the suspected cultists engaged the police t in a fierce gun battle for several hours before being over powered, and 11 of the suspects were arrested.

The suspects arrested were identified as Henry Ogori, 25; Kennedy Akpotu, 19; Promise Ophiomo, 24; Daniel Believe, 19; Daniel Sele, 25; Paul Zion, 25; Igah Aminu, 27; Philip Choice, 26; Joshua Ogunamen, 21; Johnson Opiomo, 22, and Joshua Godswill, 24.

The acting state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edafe Bright, who confirmed the arrests, said one of the suspects, Igah Aminu, later died due to gunshot injury he sustained.

He disclosed further that two English-made Beretta pistols, three rounds of live 9mm caliber of ammunition and six mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime, and effort has been intensified for the possible arrest of the fleeing suspects who escaped with bullet injuries,” he said.

THISDAY