FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN
Edo State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cult members and seized their weapons in a relentless drive to stem cult-related killings.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who revealed this in a statement at the weekend, said the arrest followed two weeks of highly strategic and intelligence-driven raids targeting the heart of criminal hideouts in Benin and surrounding areas.
The arrested suspects are linked to notorious cult groups, including Maphites, Eiye and Aye confraternities known for their violent territorial battles. Many are believed to be key players in the brutal cult supremacy killings that have plagued the state.
“These individuals are suspected to be behind the vicious murders ravaging Edo State,” Yamu stated, adding that 64 of the arrested suspects have been charged and remanded in court. Investigation continues on the remaining individuals.
“Among the seized items are two locally-made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun and a staggering 24 live cartridges – a chilling reminder of the deadly forces at play.”
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika warned parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities to help combat the scourge of cultism.
Agbonika also cautioned youths to shun joining unlawful societies which he said do not only threaten their future, but could also claim their lives or those of innocent people.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that no fewer than 35 cultists have been killed in Benin since the renewed killings in the last two weeks.
