The Edo State Police Command has detained 30 people in connection with cult-related killings in the state.
According to ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the Command Deputy Spokesperson, the command swung into action after reports of killings in various parts of the state on Friday.
David Ebube, Chiedu Rex, Samuel Ebi, Charles Eke, Monday Work of God, Kelvin Izea, Harry Christ, Emmanuel John, Isreal Omale, Emmanuel Eghaghae, Destiny Reuben, Precious Osaemwingie, Biggy Tortive, Moses Edebo, and Okoro Iyobun are among those arrested, according to her.
Others are Ezekiel Ezi, Frank Amadasu, Efosa Kelvin, Desmond Moses, Jude Precious, Keneth Osaratin, Joshua Osarodion, Chidi Adia, Osas Emmanuel, Osas Clifford, Godstime Emmanuel, Julius Urhie, Philip Agho, Godbless Mathiew, and Kingsley Edet.
The statement reads, “Irked by killing by rival cult groups in some parts of Edo State in the last 72 hours, the Edo State Police Command has responded by massive raids and arrests of suspected cultists associated with the killings.
“Following credible information that cult activities were ongoing along Oho Street, Uselu, Benin City, on 25/08/2022, operatives of the command immediately mobilised to the scene.
“On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the command met the body of a young man later identified as Taiwo Edigie, ‘M’ 40 years, with the head severed and dropped at a different location from where the body was found.
“Also, a similar report was received on the same day that along Imuetiyan Street off Ojo Road, Ugbowo, a yet-to-be-identified young man was killed also in connection with the ongoing cult fight.
“Intense raiding was carried out around the axis the incident occurred where the 30 suspects were arrested.
“Profiling is still ongoing and anyone found culpable or related to any of the killings would be arraigned in court as soon as profiling is concluded,” the statement added.