Edo security operatives raid cult hotspots, arrest 12 over UNIBEN killing

Following the killing of a young man near the gate of the University of Benin, the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” has intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities across Benin City, arresting 12 suspected cultists and sealing two apartments allegedly used as initiation centres.

The coordinated raids, carried out on Sunday night and Monday morning, targeted several identified hotspots including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters.

The operation was led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo as part of renewed efforts to curb cult violence and restore public confidence following the killing near the university community.

Speaking during the operation, Noah Idemudia, the Squad’s spokesperson, alleged that some Okaigheles (youth leaders) in communities across the State were aiding criminal activities by allegedly harbouring cultists and illegal arms.

According to him, intelligence reports suggested that sophisticated weapons used in violent attacks within the state were often traced to various communities.

“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities.

“The governor is warning Okaigheles 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 said.

Idemudia clarified that the 12 suspects arrested during the raids were not directly connected to the killing at the UNIBEN gate but were allegedly identified as members of different cult groups after operatives reportedly discovered cult insignia and incriminating materials in their possession.

He disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for further profiling and investigation.

On the properties sealed during the operation, Idemudia said one of the apartments located at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.