Police foil suspected cult attack on Rivers trader

The police command in Rivers State has successfully thwarted a suspected cult attack aimed at a trader in the Mile 3 market area of Port Harcourt. Blessing Agabe, the police spokeswoman, confirmed the incident, stating that officers from the Nkpolu Police Division responded to a distress alert.

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Upon receiving a distress alert, the police division mobilised officers to the scene and foiled the attack before the assailants could execute their mission

According to Agabe, suspected cultists invaded a market along Bishop Okoye Street but were intercepted by police before they could execute their plan. Security personnel have secured the area and launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. Efforts are underway to identify the cult group involved and to contact the trader, identified only as Abraham, who operates a grinding business and fled when officers arrived.

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The victim sustained injuries on different parts of his body but managed to escape from the scene as the police arrived

Witnesses reported that at least eight suspected cultists armed with machetes and a locally made pistol surrounded the trader. The suspects allegedly inflicted machete wounds on the trader before police intervention. One witness suggested the attack might be linked to the victim's refusal to pay an illegal levy, known as 'marching ground,' imposed by local cult groups. The police have assured the public of a thorough investigation and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, urging citizens to provide any credible information.

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The attackers fled immediately they noticed the arrival of police officers and disappeared into the crowd