The Edo Special Security Squad has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation following the killing of a student near the gate of University of Benin on Sunday.
The operations were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo and carried out across several hotspots, including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, accused some Okaigheles in Edo communities of allegedly supporting violent crimes and aiding the circulation of illegal weapons.
“Twelve suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the killing of a young man on Sunday. Two apartments allegedly used for cult initiations have also been sealed during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin City,” he said.
Idemudia alleged that intelligence reports linked some community leaders to the harbouring of criminals and the supply of sophisticated weapons used in attacks.
“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,” he stated.
He warned community leaders to ensure peace within their domains, stressing that anyone found with unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.
“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,” he added.
Idemudia clarified that the suspects arrested had not been directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but were identified as alleged members of various cult groups after officers reportedly found incriminating items and cult symbols in their possession.
According to him, the suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for further profiling and investigation.
He also disclosed that one of the sealed apartments in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly used for cult initiation ceremonies, adding that operatives encountered resistance during the raid.
Another apartment in Evbuomore Quarters reportedly contained shrines and fetish objects suspected to be used for initiation rituals.
“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 said.
He further warned against planned cult anniversary celebrations, noting that security agencies had already activated measures to arrest anyone participating in such gatherings.
“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,” he said.