Edo: 31 arrested in raids on suspected cultists’ hideouts in Uromi

By Imelda Osayande

Edo Government said 31 suspected cultists have been arrested in raids on several hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi in the Esan North-East Local Government of the state.

The suspects were arrested following a violent clash between rival cult groups on Nov. 13, which left one individual hospitalized due to severe injuries, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Monday Okpebholo said in a statement on Tuesday in Benin.

He said the suspects were arrested by operatives of Edo Special Security Squad’s “Operation Flush Out” for alleged cultism and kidnapping at Uromi

Itua said the operation was part of the state government’s efforts to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities in Edo state.

He said the squad also conducted raids on several hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.

According to Itua, incriminating items recorded include battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other dangerous materials.

He said that the squad had launched a manhunt for additional members believed to have fled during the raids, adding that the Squad had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the fleeing suspects to surrender to the police .

” All suspects apprehended have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Area Command Headquarters, Uromi, for interrogation,” he said.

(NAN)