In a major security operation, the Edo Special Security Squad has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation following recent violent incidents near the University of Benin gate.
The Edo 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 University of Benin gate on Sunday.
The raids were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, and targeted known 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, alleged that some community Okaigheles in Edo State were aiding violent crimes, warning that intelligence reports had linked them to the circulation of illegal weapons in their communities.
He cautioned community leaders to maintain peace and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found within their domains, stressing that anyone found in possession of such weapons would be treated as a criminal.
Idemudia clarified that the 12 arrested suspects were not directly connected to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but were identified as members of various cult groups after incriminating items and cult symbols were found on them.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.
Regarding the sealed properties, Idemudia said one apartment in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly used for cult initiation activities, and that resistance was encountered during the arrest operation there. A second apartment in Evbuomore Quarters was found to contain shrines and fetish items suspected to be used in initiation rituals. The owners of both properties have been invited for questioning.
He also issued a stern warning against any planned cult anniversary celebrations, saying security agencies have been placed on high alert and that anyone found participating in such unlawful gatherings would be arrested.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to immediately cease such activities, emphasizing that anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State would face the full weight of the law.