The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists believed to be responsible for recent criminal activities in Ibesikpo Asutan and surrounding communities.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrests were made during a targeted raid on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, around 6:30 PM, at a suspected cult hideout in Ikot Etuk Village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Recovered Items Include Locally Made Firearms and Charms
During the operation, police recovered:
One locally made pistol
One fabricated single-barrel gun
Various charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation
The arrested suspects were identified as:
Utibe Edem Asuquo (31)
Godwin Edet Edem (32)
Usen Edem Eyo (29)
Aniebiet Edet Edem (28)
Anthony Dominic Edem (32)
Police investigations revealed that the suspects had provided voluntary confessions, linking them to several criminal acts in the area.
They admitted to participating in a recent attack on Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in the killing of two cows. The stolen livestock was allegedly distributed among cult groups operating in the community.
The Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who escaped during the raid.
DSP Timfon John assured residents that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains fully committed to maintaining peace and security across the state. She urged the public to continue providing useful information to assist ongoing investigations.
“We want to reassure the public that we will not relent in our efforts to rid our communities of criminal elements. Further updates will be provided as we progress,” the statement concluded.