Edo Police crush cult menace: 95 suspects arrested, deadly arsenal seized

By Jethro Ibileke

In a powerful crackdown on cult violence, the Edo State Police Command has captured 95 suspected cult members, seizing a deadly arsenal of weapons in a relentless drive to stem the tide of cult-related killings sweeping across the state.

CSP Moses Yamu, the Command’s spokesman, revealed in a statement late Friday that the arrests were the result of two weeks of highly strategic, intelligence-driven raids targeting the heart of criminal hideouts in Benin City and surrounding areas.

The arrested suspects are linked to notorious cult groups, including the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, known for their violent territorial battles. Many are believed to be key players in the brutal cult supremacy killings that have plagued the region.

“These individuals are suspected to be behind the vicious murders ravaging Edo State,” Yamu stated, adding that 64 of the arrested suspects have been charged and remanded in court. The investigation continues on the remaining individuals.

Among the seized items are two locally-made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and a staggering 24 live cartridges – a chilling reminder of the deadly forces at play.

State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians, urging them to monitor their children’s activities to help combat the scourge of cultism.

Agbonika also cautioned the youth: “Joining unlawful societies not only threatens your future, but it could also claim your life or the lives of innocent people.”

This is just the beginning of a new phase in the fight against cult violence in Edo State – a battle the police are determined to win.