FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed ‘Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,’ Thursday arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered a cache of firearms in Iguoshodin N’Ikpemaba, Ovia North East Local Government Area .
Coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, who stated this in Benin City while briefing journalists on its activities, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders after credible intelligence was received from residents.
According to him, security operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorising residents.
“On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns and live AK-47 ammunition,” Noah disclosed.
He explained that the arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the youth leader of the community,(Okaighele) Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting threat to peace in the community.
Noah stated that prior to the operation, the squad had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi and that the raid did not only lead to their arrest, but also exposed the dangerous weapons they use to perpetrate crime.
The coordinator revealed that preliminary investigation pointed to the suspects being members of Eiye confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities in several communities.
“From intelligence gathered and the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people who are pleased to see decisive action being taken,” he stated.
Noah noted that the recovered firearms are not ordinary civilian weapons, but prohibited arms associated with organised criminal activities.
Residents of Iguoshodin N’Ikpemaba commended security agencies for their swift intervention, describing the raid as timely and necessary in restoring peace to the troubled community.
The special security squad reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes are flushed out of the state, assuring residents of its resolve to work with communities to stamp out criminal networks.
