Abia State Government has launched security operation targeted at wiping out cult activities and drug abuse across the state.
The decision to hit hard at cult groups was taken by the State Executive Council, the highest decision making body in the state, during its meeting on Monday July 7, 2025.
There have been noticeable upsurge in cult activities in the state in recent time. Last week members of a cult group were at the verge of killing a youth in Umuahia, the capital city, before security agents intervened and saved the victim.
At Uturu, a cult-related killing was reported when persons suspected to be cultists opened fire and shot dead a man riding on his motorbike.
State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who briefed journalists on the outcome of the SEC meeting, said that security agencies in the state have been given the marching order to deal decisively with the perpetrators of the cult violence.
He said that “the state government has observed with dismay the growing incidence of cult activities in the state” and would spare no efforts to rid Abia of cult activities and harrassment of innocent citizens.
Kanu reiterated that “as a responsible government” the present administration would also ensure that Abia was rid of drug activities that usually fuel cult-related incidents.
Last Friday, the State Police Command paraded 24 suspected cultists who were nabbed by officers attached to the Umuahia Anti-cultism of the command.
The State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, said that the suspects with age range of 17 to 27, were arrested on June 29, 2025 at Ahuwa/Umuigu Oboro community, Ikwuano Local Government.
According to him, the suspects belong to “unlawful cult society” and were arrested based on “credible intelligence” given to the police.
“During the operation, several exhibits were recovered, including a machete, a black beret, a black anchor pendant, and a blue face cap with a badge inscribed with “De Norseman K Club,” he said.
The CP said that the suspects were being remanded at the Afara Correctional Centre, Umuahia pending their arraignment in court after conclusion of investigations.
