Three suspected cultists allegedly linked to last Friday’s cult-related killings in Benin City have been arrested in a joint operation by the Edo State Special Security Squad, ESSS, and operatives of the state Police Command.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids in the Amagba and Obagie communities, where security operatives reportedly recovered fetish items, arms and ammunition from their residences.
Those arrested were identified as Osazee Omoruyi; Innocent Okunozee, said to be the Okiaghale (youth leader) of Obagie community; and Anito Osahon.
According to security sources, Omoruyi and Okunozee allegedly confessed to being members of cult groups but denied involvement in the recent killings. Osahon, however, denied belonging to any cult group and also denied participating in the violence.
Omoruyi and Osahon were arrested in a bungalow at Amagba village, where two pump-action guns, a pistol and ammunition were reportedly recovered. In a separate raid, Okunozee was allegedly arrested in possession of a Toyota Highlander vehicle and a rifle.
Security operatives have also issued a seven-day ultimatum to two other Okiaghales from Ofunwegbe and Ara communities to turn themselves in for questioning.
Briefing journalists, spokesperson of the ESSS, Eribo Ewanta, said the arrests were made following credible intelligence linking the suspects to cult activities in the area.
Ewanta stated that the squad had recorded significant progress in its mandate to rid the state of criminal elements, particularly cult groups responsible for recent violence.
He warned that community leaders suspected of harbouring cultists would not be spared.
“We have given the Okiaghales of Obagie, Ofunwegbe and Ara communities a seven-day ultimatum to surrender themselves to the state government or face arrest wherever they are. The government is closer to them than they imagine,” he said.