Rivers Police Avert Bloody Cult Attack, Hunt Suspects After Victim Escapes

Operatives of the Nkpolu Divisional Police Headquarters in Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, have foiled a suspected cult attack that could have resulted in fatalities, following a rapid response to distress calls on Monday morning.

The Rivers State Police Command said officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Ogbuefi Henry King, mobilised to the scene after receiving reports of an ongoing attack and disrupted the operation before the assailants could carry out their mission.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m near Bishop Okoye Street Market, where no fewer than eight suspected cultists allegedly chased a man identified simply as Abraham, who operates a grinding business in the area.

Witnesses said the attackers, reportedly armed with machetes and a locally made pistol, caught up with the victim, forced him to the ground and inflicted machete wounds before police officers arrived.

On sighting the approaching police team, the suspects reportedly abandoned the attack and fled into the crowd.

The victim, who sustained injuries to one of his ears and other parts of his body, also fled the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that the attack may have been linked to Abraham's alleged refusal to pay an illegal levy, popularly known as "matching ground," which the suspected cultists were allegedly demanding.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko (the statement identifies the police spokesperson; ensure the official designation reflects the command's current spokesperson), said officers from the Nkpolu Police Division responded promptly and successfully disrupted the attack.

“Upon receipt of the information, officers from the Nkpolu Police Division immediately mobilised to the scene and thwarted the mission of the miscreants,” the police spokesperson said.

“Our men have taken over the area, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators, establish contact with the victim, who also fled the scene, and ensure a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.”

The command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in tracking down the fleeing suspects.

Police said investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.