Edo Security Squad Arrests 12 Suspected Cultists, Seals Initiation Centres

Men of the Edo State Special Security Squad, code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” have arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used as initiation centres during raids in parts of Benin City.

The operation followed the killing of a yet-to-be-identified youth in front of the main gate of the University of Benin on Sunday.

The raids were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Monday Okpebholo and were carried out in Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street, Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters.

Spokesman for the squad, Noah Idemudia, alleged that some Okaigheles in communities across the state were aiding criminal activities, adding that intelligence reports linked sophisticated weapons used in violent attacks to some communities in Edo State.

He warned community leaders to ensure peace in their domains, stressing that any Okaighele found with unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.

“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” Idemudia said.

“The governor is warning Okaigheles to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals.”

Speaking on the arrests, the spokesman clarified that the 12 suspects were not connected to the killing near the UNIBEN gate but were allegedly identified as members of different cult groups after symbols, signs and other incriminating items were found on them.

According to him, the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.

Idemudia disclosed that one of the sealed apartments, located at Ogba-Evbuodia, was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.

He alleged that operatives came under attack while attempting to arrest suspects at the property, leading to the sealing of the building and the invitation of its owner for questioning.

The spokesman added that another apartment raided at Evbuomore Quarters contained shrines and fetish objects scattered across several rooms, which investigators suspected were used for initiation into different confraternities.

He said the owner of the property had also been invited for questioning.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law,” Idemudia stated.

He also warned against planned cult anniversary celebrations in the state.
“I want to warn that any planned cult anniversary celebrations should be suspended immediately. Strategies are already in place to arrest anyone involved in such unlawful gatherings. Cult anniversaries will not be tolerated in Edo State,” he added.