By Gbemiga Olamikan.
The Rivers State Police Command led by CP Olatunji Disu has warned Parents, Community leaders, Religious leaders, Educators and School Administrators to take proper care of their wards, children and congregation never to be part of planned celebration of Neo-Black Movement (NBM) scheduled for July 7, 2024 and place Area Commanders, DPOS and Tactical team commanders on red alert to carry out pre-emptive and response raids ahead of the plans.
CP Olatunji Disu made the charge as a result of information received about a nationwide celebration of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) scheduled for July 7, 2024. He said the confraternity, also known as Aiye or Black Axe, intends to have this event as a commemoration of their Founder’s Day. The event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7 is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning.
CP Olatunji Disu said that the Command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct among other criminal actions and estimated that the annual AIYE DAY celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially in tertiary campuses nationwide.
He said the ceremony may likely avail opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State which might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery. CP Olatunji Disu therefore directed all Area Commanders, DPOS and Tactical team commanders to carry out pre-emptive and response raids in all identified cult hideouts, black spots and hotels that may be used as meeting points by the cult leaders, to ensure that the planned AIYE DAY celebration does not hold within their AORS, and that suspected cult members are arrested and made to face the law.
This was contained in a statement signed by Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe Koko. She said, CP Disu directs that Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies with close monitoring of all higher educational institution campuses, and public places across their AORS, to intercept cult members and frustrate their purpose.
CP Olatunji Disu said that Higher institutions of learning be advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Educators and school Administrators should be observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students in their institutions. Also charged
Parents and guardians to watch keenly over their children and wards during this period and look out for any warning signs in the content of their interaction with friends.
Also charged Community leaders to be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their area. Asked leaders and local security outfits to synergize and remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities at the closest Police Station while calling in Religious leaders to sermonize their congregants on the evil of secret cultism.
Assures that the Command will not relent in dealing decisively with any person or group that intent on disturbing the peace that have been assiduously worked to achieve noted that the command remains purposeful in carrying out duty of maintaining law and order whilst protecting lives and property.
