The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists accused of initiating a toddler into their group in Sapele Local Government Area, an act that has drawn widespread outrage across the country.
The shocking incident came to light after a viral video surfaced online, showing the suspects blindfolding the young child and forcing a hot alcoholic drink into his mouth while he cried uncontrollably. The disturbing footage quickly circulated on social media, sparking anger and calls for justice from child rights advocates and concerned citizens.
Confirming the arrests on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, described the incident as “evil and inhumane.” He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Command Headquarters in Asaba for further investigation and prosecution.
“These suspects have been arrested for the evil they did to this innocent child,” Edafe stated. “The Commissioner of Police has directed that they face the full wrath of the law. Justice must be served.”
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing credible information that could assist the police in combating cult-related crimes across the state.
The video of the initiation, believed to have been filmed by one of the suspects, has been widely condemned by community leaders, religious organizations, and child protection groups. Many have demanded stiffer penalties for anyone involved in initiating minors or exploiting children in cult-related practices.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects or provided an update on the condition of the victim, though police say the child has been rescued and is receiving appropriate care.
This latest case comes just weeks after a similar operation in Lagos State, where police apprehended five suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival groups in Onireke and Isashi, Badagry. That operation, coordinated by the Lagos State Police Command, successfully prevented further bloodshed, according to police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi.
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