EDO SECURITY CORPS ARRESTS 14 OVER CULT KILLING IN AUCHI

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Edo State Security Corps has arrested 14 suspects in connection with a cult-related killing in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Media gathered that last week, tension escalated at Abiodun Motor Park in Jattu Junction, as residents, commuters, and business owners fled after suspected cultists shot and killed a middle-aged man.

Following the incident, the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo led other security agencies on a coordinated raid of criminal hideouts across Edo North Senatorial District from Wednesday to Friday.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects, while two others, also allegedly members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), remain at large.

At Jattu Junction, the team demolished Abiodun Motor Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) park.

According to a statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, the squad also stormed Triple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where additional suspects were arrested.

Operations were also carried out in Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe, and other locations identified as criminal hideouts in Edo North.

The suspects were reportedly arrested at the hotel following intelligence that the killing was planned there before being executed at Jattu Motor Park. The hotel has since been sealed.

Security operatives later moved to Igbira Camp, believed to be the residence of the prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, who was not found during the raid.

Investigations reportedly linked Kassim to the Juris Confraternity, while another suspect, Idris Mustapha—also at large—is alleged to be a member of the ESSC. Both have been given 24 hours to report to the Area Command in Auchi.

Authorities have also directed the ESSC sector commander in Auchi to produce the suspects or risk being declared wanted.

Speaking on the operation, the squad spokesperson, Eribo Ewanta, said Governor Okpebholo had issued a directive to restore order and ensure those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.

He said the 14 arrested suspects were assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other accomplices, including the alleged mastermind.

Ewanta added that the administration would not tolerate criminal activity in the state and warned that offenders would no longer find safe haven in Edo.

He also noted that the demolished parks were allegedly involved in illegal revenue collection, which has been banned by the state government, adding that the recovered sites would be redeveloped for public benefit.

Investigators further traced the origin of the attack to Kassim, with efforts ongoing to apprehend all fleeing suspects.