A dreaded cult leader, Musa Muhammed, has been arrested by the Joint Taskforce (JTF) in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
Muhammed, a most-wanted cultists, was earlier declared wanted by security agencies in the state.
He was arrested on Sunday night at the Old Market area of Lokoja to the relief of residents of the area.
Popularly known as ‘Ateke’, Muhammed had been linked to numerous gruesome killings in Lokoja and environs recently. He was arrested alongside Ahmed Nana.
“These dastardly acts committed by the daredevil cultist are no doubt punishable under the recently enacted law which prohibits cultism in Kogi State,” said Alhaji Yahaya Usman, a Lokoja resident.
It was learned that some of his associates have started rallying to secure his release from military custody and back into the community.
“Sadly, this has been a major hiccup with security agencies as influential family members pervert the course of justice in curbing killings and other criminalities in the community.
“Perpetrators of these acts usually have sponsors who easily get them released after committing these heinous crimes.
“I can authoritatively inform you that some of his family members and associates are currently making moves to release him from military custody,” said another resident, Yakubu Bello.
Awelu Dauda, a trader in Old Market, called on Kogi State Government to take drastic steps that would put a permanent end to serial killings by cultists in the community.
“We don’t sleep with our two eyes closed due to these unfortunate activities of cultists killing themselves and looting of our shops.
“Sporadic shootings in the air, looting of shops and killing of innocent souls are the order of the day; this ugly incident must be put to rest in this ancient community,” he said.
