Nine minors informant to kidnappers, assassins nabbed

Nine minors, all males, suspected to be
members of four different dreaded cult groups
that have been disguising and acting as
informants to kidnappers and assassins in
Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, were Tuesday arrested and paraded in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state, by men of the Nigeria Army, Koko Barrack, in conjunction with the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield. They have said to be terrorizing Sapele and environs, for some time
now.

The minors, aged between 10 to 16 years have
confessed that they were initiated into the four cult groups, Eue, Blue Sparrow, Cage Bird and Dansailor, by their seniors who forbidden them never to divulge the names and addresses of their leaders, in case they were arrested by security officials.

The Minor also confessed that they were
initiated with a red liquid drink which tasted like squadron hot, which was given to them to drink after been severely beaten with canes for hours.
They said they also got identification marks
(Tattoos) which their leaders cut on their backs and upper alms, as mark of initiation.
They equally confessed that their assignment
was to act as spies on different locations and
targets for their leaders, and deliver reports to their leaders with which guide they carry out crimes of kidnapping, Robbery and
Assassination. They gave the order of seniority of the cult groups as Eue (most senior) followed by Blue sparrow, which is followed by Cage Bird, and said Dansailor is most junior of all them.

The commanding officer of Koko barracks, Lt
Col. Frank Etim who paraded the minors to press men yesterday has requested parents to watch over their wards in order not to allow other persons influence them negatively, warning that secret cult members and kidnappers will henceforth not have any hiding place in the area.

Lt Col. Etim said "on 11 May 13, our personnel at Sapele arrested nine members of the Cage Bird, Blue Sparrow, and Dansailor Cult groups during their cult activities in a remote area of Sapele and Elume communities in Sapele LGA of Delta State. The suspects all of whom are minors have all confessed to the crime. This particular crime
involving minors reinforces the need for parents to watch over their wards in other not to allow other persons influence them negatively."

He further warned secret cult members and
kidnappers to desist from this act, adding that Sector 1 JTF and the Battalion will continue to do their best to rid the Niger Delta of all forms of illegality and protect law obedient citizens.