By: Nelson Agbajor
SAPELE- Folowing the recent suspected cult killings in Sapele, men of the Nigeria Army, Navy, DSS, and CJTF men of the Viganlante today raided suspected black spots and hideouts in the town as part of efforts to curb crime.
Just as men of the Nigeria Army has vowed to fish out gunmen who shot a soldier and a police officer dead last month in the Oton community of the town.
The raid which covered several parts of the town was said to have began last night with the Land Component Commander, Major General Ibrahim Jallo mandating the sector 1 commander inconjution with the 19 Battallion of the Nigeria Army Koko ,and other security agencies to dark spots in Sapele and other community which was not disclosed from the source , Accordingly the head of okpe kingdom a retired General warned all to stay clear for the security agencies to carry out their work diligently without any interference. The killing of innocent lives by cultists must stop he said.
A security source who craved anonymity told our correspondent that the Army, DSS, Police, Navy ,Vigilante and others, swung into action raiding suspected black spots and houses of suspected criminals and recovering some catches of Ammunition and also locally made guns.
“We have resorted to take the battle to them and restore peace to the town and that is why we are doing this, and as I speak to you, we have recovered some ammunition from some of the arrested suspects” the source said.
The Security source also vowed not to relent in their efforts to recover guns said to be seized from a soldier and police that was killed last month at Oton Acesspoint “we will not stop until we recover these arms and others should know that crime does not pay, if they say we won’t sleep, then they should be ready to fly at night”
It should be recalled that Sapele has been a hotbed of suspected cult related activities, with the Special Assistant to the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on youth development, Okiemute Sowho shot dead in broad daylight over a week ago.
While gunmen last month was said to have attacked a checkpoint last month killing a policeman and a soldier while carting away their guns
Meanwhile Residents of the town has commended security agencies for prompt response to their outcry of insecurity in the town, Akpojotor Idolor, a petty trader along Okpe road said since the coming of the security forces, they can now sleep with their two eyes close, “we appreciate what the 19 Batterlon of the Nigerian Army has done, Sapele was like a war zone and the past few days we can now sleep with our eyes closed” he said.
Anioma Blessing, a hairdresser along MacPherson road on her part, while commending the security agencies especially the Army, DSS and the Navy, said it was obvious that a lasting resort has been found for those who has turn this town to battle zone, “I hope they will continue this and God bless them”
The influx of soldiers, Navy soldiers and military hilux give us more confidence now she said.