Operatives of the Anti-Cult Squad of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Akwa Ibom State have stormed a a shrine in Abak local government area and arrested five suspected ritual killers and recovered women’s menstrual pads stored in two coffins.
Other incriminating items recovered from the shrine included pictures of their victims and would-be victims, charms and other fetish objects.
Disclosing this to journalists yesterday at the state command headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the police public relations officer, DSP TImfon John, explained that the discovery followed a lead by a victim, whose girlfriend was raped by the suspects during an attack on his hotel in Abak LGA
“Our operatives have arrested five suspected cultists and armed robbers believed to be responsible for a recent home invasion, armed robbery and rape.
“The suspects were apprehended following a discreet investigation launched after a formal complaint was lodged with the command.
“On June 26, 2025, a man (name withheld) reported that a group of armed individuals broke into his room at a guest house (name withheld ) in Abak, robbing him of his belongings and raping his female guest.
“Acting on a firm directive from the commissioner of police (CP), Baba Azare, operatives of the command initiated an investigation. On July 30, 2025, at 11:10 pm, detectives raided the criminals’ hideout, leading to the arrest of five suspects,” she recalled.
The police spokesperson listed those seized as Richard Edet Udo, Hope Iniobong Anietie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny and Joseph Joseph, adding that two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items were recovered during the raid.
“The command is continuing its investigation to arrest other members of the gang,” Miss John assured, vowing that no stone would be left unturned in the process of fishing out and bringing them to justice.
