Bumper harvest of alleged cultists in Edo: 27 arrested, one dead

By Jethro Ibileke/Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Black Axe.

The suspects were arrested at about 10 pm on Saturday, during a coordinated operation at Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of the State.

According to the Command’s image maker, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the operation followed credible intelligence that the suspected cult group had converged in the area, for initiation.

“Acting on credible intelligence at the disposal of the command, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, was swiftly deployed to lead a combined team of Police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters to the location.

“During the attempt to arrest the suspects, one of the cultists opened fire on the Police and in a fierce gun duel, the suspect was neutralised in the ensuing exchange,” Ikoedem said.

Items recovered from the suspects one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife.

Three vehicles were also recovered from the suspects, including a Toyota Camry with registration number AUC 377 LU, a Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 867 JJ and a Lexus RX SUV without registration number.

Also recovered were 51 cell phones of different make, ⁠15 pairs of different colors of Timberland boots and several slings bags all containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp.