A suspected cultist was shot dead while another was arrested following a cult clash in Umuahia, Abia State, on Sunday, according to the state government.
Briefing journalists on Monday after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, confirmed the incident, describing it as a security breach involving cult groups.
“According to police reports, a resident around Imo Lane off Uzuakoli Road was macheted by a cult group. The incident attracted the attention of Operation Crush following a tip-off by a patriotic resident. When officers arrived, the cult members fled,” Kanu said.
“In an attempt to stop them, Operation Crush fired warning shots, and one of the fleeing cultists was hit by a bullet.
“Another suspect was arrested and is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations”, he added.
He added that the machete victim is receiving treatment in the hospital, while the body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue.
“Ordinarily, we would have waited for the police to conclude their investigations, but due to the fake news and misleading narratives spreading across certain media channels, we must clarify the situation.
“The claim that Operation Crush shot an innocent bystander is completely false,” he explained.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), also spoke on the incident.
“It was an unfortunate situation. That area around Uzuakoli Road is known for cult activity and armed robbery, often involving Keke riders. Other areas like School Road, behind the stadium, and Isi Gate also experience similar crimes.
“The arrested gang member was found in possession of a locally made pistol and remains in police custody. The police will conclude investigations and provide a full report. Operation Crush is an interventionist outfit; it does not conduct investigations,” Ubah said.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to security, “Criminals have no hiding place in Abia. We will do everything possible to rid our society of bad elements and ensure residents can sleep with their eyes closed.”
