The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed off two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation after the k!lling of a student near the University of Benin.
The raids led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, were carried out in hotspots including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia, and Evbuomore Quarters.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, confirmed the arrest and accused some community leaders of allegedly aiding violent crimes.
“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.
“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 said.
He warned community leaders to maintain peace in their domains, stressing that anyone found in possession of unlicensed weapons would be held responsible.
“The governor is warning Okaigheles to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals,” he said.
Idemudia clarified that the 12 suspects arrested were not directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but were identified as members of different cult groups after alleged incriminating items and symbols were found on them.
He said the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.
On the sealed properties, he said one apartment at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly used for cult initiation activities, adding that resistance was encountered during the arrest attempt.
According to him, another apartment at Evbuomore Quarters was found with shrines and fetish items suspected to be used for initiation rituals, while the owners of both properties had been invited for questioning.
Idemudia noted that the 12 suspects arrested were not directly linked to the k!lling near the UNIBEN gate, but were identified as members of different cult groups after alleged incriminating items and symbols were found on them.
He said the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.
On the sealed properties, he said one apartment at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly used for cult initiation activities, adding that resistance was encountered during the arrest attempt.
According to him, another apartment at Evbuomore Quarters was found with shrines and fetish items suspected to be used for initiation rituals, while 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.