Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms

Five suspected members of a notorious cult group said to have been terrorising Ibesikpo Asutan and surrounding communities have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

According to a press release issued on May 29, 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, May 28, around 6:30 PM during a tactical raid at their hideout in Ikot Etuk Village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

The police, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of dangerous items at the scene, including one locally made pistol, a fabricated single-barrel gun, and assorted charms.

The arrested suspects have been identified as: 31-year-old Utibe Edem Asuquo, 32-year-old Godwin Edet Edem, 29-year-old Usen Edem Eyo, 28-year-old Aniebiet Edet Edem and 32-year-old Anthony Dominic Edem.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang was involved in a recent attack on Fulani herdsmen, during which two cows were killed. Police say the animals were later distributed among various cult groups in the area.

The suspects are said to have made voluntary confessions and provided useful information aiding ongoing investigations. Efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured the public its continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property while promising to provide further updates as the case progresses.