Cultists on rampage in Jos, 33 arrested

Hours after suspected cultists went on rampage injuring people and damaging cars, the police say they have arrested some of them.

The police in Plateau said they arrested 33 suspected cultists along Bauchi road in Jos, Jos North Local Government Area.

The police also said dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects, known as “Sarasuka.”

The police spokesperson, Terna Tyopev, in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said the arrests were made Tuesday morning, following violent clash between rival cult groups.

“This morning (Tuesday) we arrested 33 suspected Sarasuka members. We also recovered120 packets of tramadol drugs with 23 knives from the suspects.”

Mr. Tyopev added that “a number of cars were smashed by the rampaging cultists, but at the moment I can not ascertain the exact number of cars affected. Though we have brought the situation under control.”

Cult clashes created tension within Jos metropolis, as residents and travellers to Bauchi and Gombe states avoided Bauchi road route out of fear.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the clashes began around Congo junction, Nasarawa Gwom area on Monday evening, leaving four persons injured and seven vehicles vandalised.