The Egbeda Police Division, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, has arrested a suspected cultist over the violence that rocked the area during the presidential election held last weekend.

The violence led to the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Ruth Osah, and one Mark Orduize, a member of a local vigilante group known as EMOLVIS.

It was gathered that the suspected cultist known as ‘Cross and die’ was arrested on Wednesday following a credible intelligence report.

The suspect is currently being detained at the Egbeda Police Division.

It was learnt that the suspect said to be a repentant cultist allegedly went back to his old ways by recruiting armed men for nefarious activities in the community.

The vigilante group, EMOLVIS, went in search of the repentant cultist when one of the vigilante members accidentally shot the pregnant woman.

Peeved by the incident, some youths in the area allegedly descended on the vigilante and burnt two houses belonging to members of the group in Ubimini community.

The act was described as retaliation for the death of the pregnant woman.

The President of Ubimini Youth Council, Ikechukwu Wordu, confirmed the arrest of ‘Cross and Die.’

He said, “His name is James Onuoha aka ‘Cross and Die’. He is in custody at the Egbeda Divisional Police Headquarters.

He called on the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police in the state to ensure proper interrogation.

He advised residents of the community to remain calm and avoid any form of violence.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would ascertain from the relevant police division and get back to our reporter.

However, as of the time of filing this report on Thursday, she had not responded. (The PUNCH)

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