BEVERLY HILLS, October 27, (THEWILL) – Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) in Operation Delta Safe (ODS) have discovered four militant shrines tucked inside the creeks of Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas, Cross River State.
It was a gory sight as the troops found 25 human skulls at various decomposing stages while other human body parts that littered the area including a complete human skeleton.
The shrines, which were discovered at Ikot Ene Idam, Abakpa and Ikang creeks of the councils belonged to a notorious militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force (BSF) and raised concerns that the militants were engaged in human sacrifice.
Confirming the development, the Deputy Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Com. Thomas Otuji, said the operation was conducted by ODS’ Sector 4 following a tip off.
“During the cordon and search operations, the troops discovered 25 human skulls in various stages of decomposition, a complete human skeleton and several other human body parts,” he said.
“The shrines were destroyed as troops continue to search for the perpetrators of these heinous acts against humanity. With the clearance of these shrines, the Bakassi Strike Force has effectively been smoked out from the areas it’s used to hold sway.
“It should be noted that the senseless killing of humans for ritual purposes is sacrilegious and will not be tolerated in any form within the Joint Operation Area.
“Troops while combing the creeks arrested two suspects at Idebe Ifak Anam, Ikot Okon Edem and Abakpa in Bakassi. After preliminary investigation we discovered that they are acting as spies for the BSF militants.
“Also, troops of Sector 2 operating in Bayelsa State, reportedly arrested 44 members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at a club along Mabinton Estate, Okaka, Yenagoa.
“The group was planning to establish a state chapter of the banned IPOB to disrupt public peace.
“They were duly arrested and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and sacrosanct.
“Hence, any unlawful gathering that will cause mayhem, threaten the unity and sovereignty of the country will not be condone.
“In Rivers State, troops of Sector 3 raided den of cultists in Finima, Bonny following a distress call that the hoodlums were terrorizing the community with AK47 rifles.
“The kingpin of the cultists, identified as Eagle Face, on sighting the troops, dived into the water but two days later, his lifeless body was seen by the locals floating in the creeks. The locals retrieved the body and buried it at Bonny River bank.
“Two of the suspected cult members were arrested with one locally made pistol, a machete and two handsets.”
Story by Oputah David
