Police crack down on sexual offenders, cultists in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 37 suspects for alleged involvement in sexual and domestic abuse.

The Command also arrested several others for various crimes, including armed robbery and kidnapping.

The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists on the Command’s achievements in September.

He added that the suspects have been investigated and are being prosecuted in various courts.

“The Command also arrested suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, cultism, among others in the state.

“Seven suspected kidnappers were arrested, while two others were neutralised,” he said.

The CP further disclosed that 48 kidnapped victims were rescued during the period under review.

Other achievements include the disruption of cult initiation ceremonies in Benin City, Auchi, and Ekpoma, leading to the arrest of 38 suspected cultists, including leaders of rival groups.

Agbonika explained that the Command successfully reduced cult-related killings in Benin City to zero during the period.

Items recovered include eight firearms, 56 live rounds of ammunition, and five expended cartridges.

Other recovered items include nine vehicles, 18 motorcycles, six car master keys, 10 University of Benin Car Security Access Cards, nine Apple phones, several Android phones, and two POS machines.

The CP explained that as part of its renewed operational strategy, the Command has intensified its focus on intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and, most importantly, community-driven partnerships through its flagship Community Safe Partnership and Informal Policing Initiative.

He noted that the Command has built a strong network of support that has significantly enhanced its crime-fighting capabilities in the state.