From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of the notorious Eiye Confraternity and recovered dangerous weapons in a sweeping crackdown that also led to multiple cult arrests, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the neutralisation of an armed robbery suspect across the State.
The arrests were made between 15 and 26 November 2025 as part of what the Command described as a sustained onslaught against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
At the centre of the operation was a dramatic raid on 15 November, when operatives of the Uromi Division stormed a hospital in Uromi, acting on intelligence that rival cultists were plotting fresh violence. Seven suspected Eiye members were arrested while allegedly holding a strategic meeting to launch an attack on members of the Aye Confraternity, following a violent clash a day earlier between an Eiye member, popularly known as “I Dey Chop”, and an Aye member, Asuelimen Saviour.
Police recovered a battle axe and various cult paraphernalia from the suspects. Asuelimen Saviour was later arrested on 16 November. Investigations remain ongoing.
In a related clampdown, Uromi Division operatives arrested four more suspects during a coordinated raid on 23 November. The suspects were identified as Godspower Ehihanor (24), Miracle Akhigbe (27), Miracle Kasheka (25) and Honest Idemudia (24). During interrogation, Godspower Ehihanor reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
The operation widened on 25 November when two young women, Believe Ehinor (18) and Ofoma Sofia (19), were intercepted at about 11:30pm with an automatic pump-action shotgun and five live cartridges concealed inside a sack. They reportedly told investigators the weapon belonged to one Peace Ehinor, who escaped during an earlier police raid.
In a major breakthrough against kidnapping, police operatives on 25 November arrested Usman Shagari of Elushi area, Ubiaja, based on intelligence and technical surveillance. He is believed to be part of the gang that kidnapped Daniel Okoekhian and his wife on 22 November. Investigations are continuing.
The Command also announced the successful rescue of two kidnapped victims in Egba axis. Operatives of the Egba Division rescued Uwa Greg (47) and Airen Osahimwian (37) on 22 November after a fierce bush-combing operation in Ugha Forest. The victims, who were abducted two days earlier, were rescued following a gun duel that forced their captors to flee. They have since received medical care and been reunited with their families.
In another operation, police foiled an armed robbery in the Ohovbe area of Benin City on 21 November at about 2:55am. Operatives of Ikpoba Hill Division, working with local vigilantes, engaged the robbers in a gun battle, neutralising one unidentified suspect while others escaped.
A red Toyota Corolla with registration number BEN 149 BC, four mobile phones, three improvised explosive devices and assorted charms were recovered from the scene. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the escaping suspects.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue volunteering credible intelligence to security agencies.
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