A single mother of seven, along with two males, all aged between 40 and 50, are in police custody, pending investigations into their alleged cult activities in Duminak village in the Western Province. The acting Provincial Police Commander, and Police Commander for North Fly, Inspector Anjap Minata said since 2021, the group has allegedly caused local discord, claiming to be a church, but engaging in practices involving animal bones, stones and oils. Villagers, now assisting police, dismantled the alleged cult's worship building, after the trio, whose names have been withheld by police, were apprehended on Tuesday, November 5th. PPC Minata said the suspects will be formally arrested, and charged for practicing cult activities, as soon as police investigation is complete. Police allege that the female cult leader is in her 50s, while the male core founder and their other male accomplice are 40 and 42 respectively. Police allege that the female had left her husband with kids, went to Duminak council ward purposely in 2021 to practice cult activities in the pretext of preaching the word of God in their church, Community Churches Network of CNN Ministry. However, they soon began causing division and disharmony among the village population. PPC Minata said they allegedly involved the use of animal bones, human beings, stones, oil. powder and other 'other substances to worship and perform magic and deceitful acts'. In a statement, PPC Minata said, "The cult activities have caused numerous fights in the village among the followers and non-followers which resulted in sustaining injuries and nearly causing deaths." “Further investigation and monitoring have revealed the illegal nature of their actions go against the principles of natural law,” he stated, adding that the surrounding communities are now coming forward with information to help police investigation. In the statement, PPC Minata revealed that police also checked the building used for worship, discovering 'some bones for animals, human beings, and other substances used to do magic'. Police officers took photographs, before angry locals 'demolished the building under the police presence.' PPC Minata said he also urged locals to be wary and careful of the kind of teachings that were preached by the trio, and of those who claim to be engaged in such preachings especially when practicing 'spiritual activities'. He also acknowledged and thanked community leaders and councillors for coming forward with information to police about these alleged cult activities, which has resulted in swift police action in bringing the suspects to the police station.