Nine cultists nabbed in Edo raid, arms recovered

By Imelda Osayande

The Edo State Security Corps says it has arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Iguoshodin N’Ikpemaba in Ovia North East Local Government.

Coordinator of the Corps, Idemudia Noah, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin.

Noah said the raid carried out in the early hours of Sept. 3, followed intelligence reports and a distress call that cult members were terrorising the residents.

He said that the operatives recovered two Beretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition from a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Mr Osazuwa Igbineweka, who had been declared wanted by the police.

According to Noah, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of the Eiye confraternity, notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities in several Edo communities.

“Their arrest has restored confidence among residents, who commended the security agencies for timely intervention,” he said.

The coordinator reaffirmed the corps commitment to flushing out cultism, kidnapping, and violent crimes in Edo.

He assured that the security outfit would continue to work with communities to dismantle criminal networks.

(NAN)