From Staff Writer
In a sweeping crackdown aimed at dismantling cult groups and restoring public confidence, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists across various local government areas of the State, seizing firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs in the process.
The arrests, which followed targeted intelligence-led operations and raids on criminal hideouts, included members of rival cult groups such as the Maphites, Vikings, Aye Confraternity, and the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe).
One of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of Bello Salami, 33, identified as a member of the Maphite Confraternity, and linked to the recent killing of three vigilante operatives along Wire Road in Benin City. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, Salami was apprehended on June 28 at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee the State.
In a separate operation on June 26, officers of Aduwawa Division arrested two suspected Vikings members — Abdulahi Eriamiator (18) and Moses Humphrey (25). Later that day, South Ibie Division arrested Ahmed Hakeem (23), a suspected Aye member, leading to a wider bust involving five other members from the same confraternity. Police recovered a shotgun, live cartridges, battle axes, a cutlass, and a quantity of “ice”, a dangerous illicit substance.
In Irrua, operatives nabbed Ogbe Osaghele (29) in possession of a cut-to-size shotgun and cartridges, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.
Another significant arrest came from Ekpoma, where Itua Odion (22), alleged Esan Zonal Leader of the Black Axe Confraternity, was picked up in a hotel with a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.
In Jattu, on June 29, Hamza Umoru (27), a suspected Viking member, was arrested during a raid along Ibie Road. Separately, Auchi Division apprehended three young men posing as scrap collectors — Emmanuel Udeh (27), Kalifa Kabir (24), and Ashiru Ahmed (22) — found with a concealed Jojef Magnum pump-action rifle.
The latest raid occurred in the early hours of July 1 at the residence of Jerry Orobor, 50, in Amagba community. Officers discovered an automatic double-barrel shotgun, ten live cartridges, and a face cap bearing the insignia of the Aye Confraternity. He is currently in police custody.
All suspects are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to uprooting cultism and criminality in the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
“We are sustaining the fight against cultism with full force. The command is determined to rid the State of these criminal elements,” he stated.
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