EDO SECURITY SQUAD ARRESTS 12 SUSPECTED CULTISTS, SEALS INITIATION HOUSES AFTER UNIBEN STUDENT’S KILLING
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation activities following the killing of a student near the gate of University of Benin on Sunday.
The coordinated raids, carried out across several parts of Benin City, were led by security officials attached to Governor Monday Okpebholo. Areas raided include Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia, and Evbuomore Quarters.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia, disclosed that the arrests were made during intensified operations targeting cult-related violence in the state.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended in connection with ongoing investigations into violent cult activities, although he clarified that they were not directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate.
“Twelve suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the killing of a young man on Sunday. Two apartments allegedly used for cult initiations have also been sealed during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin City,” he said.
Idemudia accused some community Okaigheles of allegedly harbouring criminals and aiding violent crimes, warning that intelligence reports indicated that illegal weapons used in deadly attacks were being sourced from certain communities.
“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” he stated.
He further warned community leaders to ensure peace within their domains, stressing that anyone found with unlicensed firearms would be treated as a criminal.
The squad spokesperson disclosed that the arrested suspects were identified as members of various cult groups after alleged incriminating items and cult symbols were discovered on them. He added that they had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for further investigation and profiling.
On the sealed properties, Idemudia said one apartment located in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation ceremonies, while another apartment in Evbuomore Quarters reportedly contained shrines and fetish items suspected to be linked to initiation rituals.
He noted that the owners of both properties had been invited for questioning.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
Idemudia also issued a stern warning against planned cult anniversary celebrations, revealing that security agencies had already been placed on high alert to prevent unlawful gatherings across the state.
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