The Police Command in Rivers State has issued a warning to the public about potential cult-related activities across the country on June 7. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the command, revealed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.
According to Iringe-Koko, intelligence reports indicate that the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, plans to initiate innocent victims into their group and may engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day. She stated, “We have received information about the NBM’s plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honor of their Founder’s Day. The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning. The command is aware of the confraternity’s notorious history of campus killings, inter-cult clashes, and other violent criminal activities.”
Iringe-Koko added that intelligence reports suggest the group is plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country. “The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence, and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers,” she said.
She also warned that the occasion might provide an opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery. Consequently, Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical team commanders to conduct preemptive and responsive raids.
Police operatives have been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists, and bring them to justice. Iringe-Koko urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards closely during this period, and to watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends. She also encouraged community leaders and security outfits to report any unusual gatherings in their areas, and called on religious leaders to educate their congregants on the dangers of secret cults.