THE Anambra State Police command has banned the proposed ‘7/7 cult day celebration’ scheduled to be held in Awka, the  state capital, on Sunday, July 7.

Other police commands including Lagos, Osun, and Ogun have also reportedly issued warnings, insisting that the events are illegal and urged the public to take note.

The 7/7, which means the seventh day of the seventh month, is set aside by cult groups, particularly the Neo-Black Movement, as a day of freedom.

In a statement on Saturday, July 6 by its public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra police command said it had received information about the planned cult day, tagging it a security threat.

“Following the information received over time of a group of criminally minded individuals, especially under the guise of the cult day planned celebration tomorrow 7th July 2024, an unholy event characterised by violence and bloodshed, the command has advised such persons or groups to desist forthwith as the we are saddled with the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties and will not allow such disgruntled elements to reverse several gains made by the security agencies on tackling cult-related incidents and shall deal decisively with anyone found wanting in this regard,” the statement reads.

The command insisted that such events or any other related activities remain banned and that it would not hesitate to invoke relevant laws especially the newly signed anti-cultism law of the state on anyone caught in cult/related activities or any act capable of undermining security in the state.

“To this end, the command warns hoteliers and proprietors of bars, and event/recreation centers to be cautious about such gatherings and their likes in their facilities as there will be consequences if found wanting.

“Also, parents and guardians are advised to warn their wards to be law-abiding and desist from any act that could cause a breach of peace in the state,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, other police commands in Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ondo have reportedly issued a stern warning against holding such activities.

In Lagos, the police reportedly said it has uncovered plans by some members of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe, to celebrate the day in the state.

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the officers would collaborate with other security agencies to “clamp down heavily on organisers, leaders and progenitors of such sinister groups whose aim is to cause wanton violence in the state.”

In Ogun, the police command warned the cult groups to desist or else they would have themselves to blame.

The spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, urged parents and guardians to warn their children to steer clear of any unlawful gathering to prevent a “had I known situation.”

“Also, hoteliers are by this release warned not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult related gathering as owners of such facilities will be liable to prosecutions,” Oyeyemi said.