From Moshood Karim
Following the Uptown Press report, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a young man during a suspected cult initiation ritual in Warrake Forest, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2025, involved three individuals from the Afeokpella community in Okpella—namely, Cosmos Ado (32), Prosper Ezekiel (25), and Redeem Afeabor—who reportedly entered the forest for initiation into the Black Axe Confraternity.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Edo State Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, tragedy struck when Prosper Ezekiel suddenly collapsed during the ritual. He was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, but was pronounced dead upon arrival by medical personnel.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives of the Auchi Division arrested one of the suspects, Cosmos Ado, in connection with the incident. Investigators visited the initiation site, where they recovered four expended cartridges as evidence.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and directed officers to intensify efforts to apprehend all other individuals involved.
“The Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and cult-related violence. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the statement read.
The Police Command also urged parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to actively engage in steering youths away from cultism and other dangerous associations.
In a renewed appeal to the public, the Command called for vigilance and urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via its emergency lines: 08037646272 and 08077773721.
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