FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN
Men of the Special Security Squad,’ Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,’ in Edo State have arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiations during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin.
The operation followed the killing of a young man in front of the gate of the University of Benin on Sunday, May 10.
The security squad carried out the raids at Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road, off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters in Benin.
Spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia accused some youth leaders across communities of aiding violent crimes, saying intelligence reports suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks are often traced to communities within the state.
Idemudia warned community leaders to ensure peace within their domains, stressing that any youth leader found in possession of unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.
“Reports reaching us indicate that some youth leaders are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” he said.
He urged the youth leaders to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals,” he stated
Speaking on the arrests, Idemudia clarified that the 12 suspects were not linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but were allegedly identified as members of various cult groups after symbols, signs and incriminating materials were reportedly discovered on them.
He disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state police command for profiling and further investigation.
On the two properties sealed during the operation, Idemudia explained that one apartment located at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.
According to him, operatives who attempted to arrest suspects at the location were attacked, leading to the sealing of the property and the invitation of the owner for questioning.
He added that another apartment raided at Evbuomore Quarters was found to contain shrines and fetish items scattered across several rooms, which investigators suspect were being used for initiation into different confraternities, and that the owner of the property had also been invited for questioning.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law, as the state will no longer be conducive for criminal elements,” he stated.
Idemudia also warned against unlawful gatherings, alleging that some cult groups were planning anniversary celebrations.
