In a chilling discovery that has sent shockwaves across Akwa Ibom State, operatives of the Nigeria Police have raided a suspected shrine used for ritual activities, arresting five men believed to be involved in multiple cases of sexual assault and fetish practices.
The operation, which was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday based on intelligence reports, took place in a remote community within the state. Officers stormed the shrine and were met with horrifying scenes — including small wooden coffins filled with used women’s sanitary pads, photographs of unidentified females, underwear, and various fetish items believed to be used for rituals.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, the raid was part of a broader investigation into a series of rape cases and suspicious disappearances of young women in the region.
“Our men acted swiftly following credible intelligence. What we found at the scene was deeply disturbing and points to a coordinated operation involving sexual violence and suspected ritual activities,” the police spokesperson said during a press briefing.
The five suspects, all male and aged between 28 and 45, are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. Preliminary findings suggest that they may be part of a cult-like group that lures, sexually assaults, and collects intimate items from female victims for ritual purposes.
Items recovered from the shrine include:
- Four miniature coffins
- Dozens of used sanitary pads
- Photographs of several women
- Female underwear
- Charms, candles, and native potions
- Written incantations and lists with names and symbols
The police further disclosed that forensic tests are being conducted on the items retrieved, and efforts are underway to identify and locate the women whose pictures and personal items were found at the scene.
Community members who witnessed the raid expressed horror and disbelief, stating that they had always suspected “strange movements” around the area but never imagined the magnitude of evil that was hidden there.
Human rights groups and gender-based violence activists have since called for thorough prosecution of the suspects and urged security agencies to dig deeper into possible networks of ritual syndicates operating in the state and beyond.
“This is more than just a criminal case — it’s a horrifying reality check on the dangers women face in our society,” said a spokesperson for a local women’s rights group. “Justice must not only be served — it must be loud, visible, and uncompromising.”
The police assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and vowed to uncover all individuals connected to the gruesome acts.
More updates are expected as the suspects are formally charged and brought before the courts.
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