The Rivers State Police Command has launched a preemptive strike against suspected cultists, raiding hideouts and hotels across the state to prevent a planned celebration by the Neo-Black Movement, also known as ‘Aye’ or ‘Black Axe’.
The event, scheduled for July 7, is believed to be a catalyst for violent attacks and inter-cult clashes in tertiary institutions.
According to The PUNCH, the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday and sent to newsmen.
Iringe-Koko, said the event is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning, adding the confraternity is notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct and other criminal actions.
She further said the event may provoke a series of violent attacks and inter-cult clashes and related activitiee in and around tertiary institutions within the state.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has received information about a nationwide celebration of the Neo-Black Movement scheduled for July 7, 2024. The confraternity, also known as Aiye or Black Axe, intends to have this event as a commemoration of their Founder’s Day.
“The event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7 is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning.
“The Command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct among other criminal actions.
“We estimate that the annual AIYE DAY celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially in tertiary campuses nationwide.
“Also, the ceremony may likely avail opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State. Furthermore, it might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery.”
To this end the state police image maker said all tactical units, Divisional heads have been put on red alert to identify such spots, intercept the cultists and effect arrest to prevent any untoward incident.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc , has directed all Area Commanders, DPO’S and Tactical team commanders to carry out pre-emptive and response raids in all identified cult hideouts, blackspots and hotels that may be used as meeting points by the cult leaders, to ensure that the planned AIYE DAY celebration does not hold within their AORS, and that suspected cult members are arrested and made to face the law.”
Continuing, it said, “Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies with close monitoring of all higher educational institution campuses, and public places across their Areas of Responsibilities to intercept cult members and frustrate their purpose.
“Higher institutions of learning be advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Educators and school Administrators should be observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students in their institutions.
“Parents and guardians should watch keenly over their children and wards during this period and look out for any warning signs in the content of their interaction with friends.
“Community leaders are advised to be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their area. They and local security outfits should synergize and remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities at the closest Police Station.
” Religious leaders should sermonize their congregants on the evil of secret cult. ”
The Command said it remains purposeful in carrying out it’s duty of maintaining law and order whilst protecting lives and property.
“We will not relent in dealing decisively with any person or group intent on disturbing the peace that we have assiduously worked to achieve, ” the statement added.
