Edo Warns Cultists Against 7/7 Celebrations, Arrests 2 Suspects With Firearms

The Edo State Government has warned suspected cult groups against holding the annual July 7 (“7/7”) celebrations across the state, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone found participating in the event as part of its intensified crackdown on cult-related violence and insecurity.

The warning came as security operatives arrested two suspected cultists in separate operations in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, and Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, recovering two pump-action guns from the suspects.

The suspects, identified as Muhammed Oakumhe and Omukoro Aghogho, were apprehended by a security team led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo following actionable intelligence.

Addressing journalists in Benin City on Sunday, spokesman of the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultism, Noah Idemudia, said security agencies would not tolerate any gathering linked to the annual July 7 celebration, popularly associated with cult groups.

“We are warning those involved in criminal activities in Edo State to stay clear. Tomorrow, July 7, is the celebration of cultists’ day. You cannot carry out that action in Edo State. If they have the plan, it is better to cancel the intention to celebrate Founders Day,” Idemudia said.

He disclosed that the state government would continue intelligence-led operations to prevent cult-related activities and maintain public safety.

Idemudia also reminded business owners that the July 31 deadline for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in their premises remains unchanged, warning that enforcement would begin immediately after the deadline.

“We advise business owners to abide by the directive. The Governor has given a deadline that by August 1, all business owners must have CCTV. We will go round to force business owners to install CCTV. This will help us a long way to tackle crimes and criminality. We urge them to comply so that Edo will be a safe place,” he said.

He further announced that community youth leaders, popularly known as Okagheles, would soon be profiled as part of the government’s security measures.

“We will send invitations to Okagheles for profiling. The Governor is serious about this. I want all community elders to comply. We know community leadership is a traditional issue. We are working in line with the Palace. Anybody that impersonates an Okaghele will be arrested,” Idemudia added.

The two suspects told security operatives that they had renounced cult membership but admitted they were not licensed to possess the firearms recovered from them.

Meanwhile, the leadership of NBM of Africa Worldwide has distanced itself from the July 7 celebration, insisting that the event is neither recognised nor authorised by the organisation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation’s Legal Adviser, Prince (Barr.) Ezekwesiri Nwauwa, said the clarification was necessary to properly inform security agencies, the media and the general public of the group’s position.

According to the statement, the purported July 7 celebration does not form part of the organisation’s constitution, official programmes, activities or annual calendar.

NBM said it neither organises, sanctions nor endorses the event in any form and has not authorised any individual or group to associate its name, identity or insignia with the celebration.

The organisation also reiterated that it has no affiliation or relationship with the group commonly referred to as Black Axe, maintaining that both organisations are separate legal entities.

It cited the judgment of the Delta State High Court, Warri, in Suit No. EHC/210/2021, where Justice Roli Daibo Harriman, on April 29, 2024, held that NBM of Africa is separate and distinct from Black Axe and cannot be described as such.

NBM warned that any individual or group using its name, identity, insignia or reputation in connection with the July 7 celebration does so without its authorisation and could face civil and criminal proceedings where permitted under Nigerian law.