The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended three suspected armed robbers and cultists believed to be behind a series of violent crimes along the Calabar-Itu road axis.
In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Timfon John confirmed that the suspects were arrested during a well-coordinated operation on May 1. The police had received credible intelligence about a possible cult clash in the area, prompting them to take swift action to prevent violence.
According to the police report, intelligence indicated that two notorious gang leaders had been terrorising the Calabar-Itu axis and were staying in a guest house in Ntak Inyang. Acting on this information, surveillance teams were deployed to the area to monitor and intercept any criminal activity.
At approximately 5:00 AM on May 1, the police raided the hideout, resulting in the arrest of two male suspects, Joseph Edet, a resident of Akon Itam, and Ekon Isaiah, from Ibiaku Uruan. Both men were confirmed to be members of the notorious Kuklux Klan secret cult. A female accomplice, Esther Otobong Edem, was also arrested at the scene.
The police operation led to the recovery of several items, including one locally made pistol, a battle axe, and a hammer. In addition, a bottle containing a liquid substance suspected to be a charm, two torch lights, two mobile phones, and a black bag filled with various items were seized from the suspects.
The PPRO emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.
This arrest comes as a relief to residents of the Calabar-Itu road, who have long been living in fear of armed robbers and cult-related violence. Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to ensure the safety of the community and to crack down on criminal activities in the area.
