The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended 16 suspected cultists and issued warrants for 21 others as part of its ongoing efforts to curb the resurgence of cult-related violence in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State.

Over the past three weeks, at least 34 individuals have been killed in cult-related incidents in the city, prompting local stakeholders to convene an emergency summit to address the issue.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the apprehended cultists were captured through a series of intelligence-led operations in Awka.

Ikenga mentioned that the arrested individuals have been remanded in custody as per the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye.
"The CP has pledged that those responsible for the recent wave of violence, which disrupted the peace in the state capital after a six-month period of calm, will be held accountable for their actions.

"He has also instructed the Special Anti Cult Squad (SPACS) to intensify their efforts and apprehend the remaining identified cultists who are still at large," the PPRO explained.

He urged community and religious leaders in the state to consistently condemn the menace of cultism in society, promising that the state command would provide them with adequate protection.