The Edo State 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 University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The operation, led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, targeted several hotspots in Benin City, 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, confirmed the arrests and accused some community leaders of allegedly harboring criminals.
“Twelve suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the killing of a young man on Sunday. Two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation have also been sealed during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin City,” he said.
Idemudia revealed that intelligence reports suggested some Okaigheles were allegedly aiding criminal activities and that dangerous weapons used in violent attacks were reportedly sourced from communities.
He warned community leaders to maintain peace in their areas, stressing that anyone found with unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.
“The governor is warning Okaigheles to ensure peace in their communities and prevent the possession of illegal weapons, as anyone found culpable will face the law,” he added.
According to Idemudia, the 12 suspects were not directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate but were identified as members of various cult groups after alleged incriminating items and symbols were discovered on them.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for further investigation and profiling.
He also disclosed that one of the sealed apartments in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly used for cult initiation activities, while another property in Evbuomore Quarters reportedly contained shrines and fetish items suspected to be linked to initiation rituals.
The owners of both properties have been invited for questioning.
Idemudia further warned sponsors of cultism and violent crimes in the state to desist immediately, stating that anyone aiding criminal activities in Edo State would face the full weight of the law.
