Edo State security operatives have arrested three suspected cult members believed to be linked to last Friday’s deadly clashes in Benin City.
The arrests were part of a coordinated operation by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSS) in partnership with the Edo State Police Command.
Authorities said the operation aimed to disrupt criminal networks responsible for recent unrest across the state.
The suspects—identified as Osazee Omoruyi, Innocent Okunozee, and Anito Osahon—were apprehended following intelligence reports linking them to ongoing cult activities in various communities within Benin City.
Okunozee, according to security sources, is the Okiaghale (youth leader) of Obagie community, a position that allegedly gave him influence over local cult networks.
Omoruyi and Osahon were arrested together at a bungalow in Amagba village, while Okunozee was apprehended in a separate raid in Obagie.
Security operatives reportedly recovered an arsenal of weapons during the raids. At the Amagba location, officers seized two pump-action guns, a pistol, and a quantity of ammunition.
Meanwhile, Okunozee was reportedly found in possession of a rifle and a Toyota Highlander vehicle, which authorities suspect may have been used in cult-related activities across Edo State.
These seizures mark a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements operating under the guise of cult groups.
During interrogations, Omoruyi and Okunozee allegedly admitted to being members of cult organizations.
However, both denied involvement in the recent killings that shocked the residents of Benin City.
Osahon, on the other hand, denied any affiliation with a cult and rejected allegations that he participated in the violence.
Security sources stated that investigations are ongoing to verify the extent of their involvement and connections to other suspected cult members.
Authorities have also issued a seven-day ultimatum to two other Okiaghales from Ofunwegbe and Ara communities.
These individuals are being asked to present themselves for questioning, with the warning that failure to comply will lead to immediate arrest.
The directive underscores the state government’s commitment to tackling cult activities comprehensively, including targeting influential community leaders who may be complicit.
Speaking to journalists after the arrests, Eribo Ewanta, spokesperson for the Edo State Special Security Squad, highlighted that the operation was guided by credible intelligence linking the suspects to cult networks in Benin City.
Ewanta emphasized that the ESSS has made significant progress in its mission to rid Edo State of criminal elements, particularly violent cult groups.
“The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that cult violence in Edo State is brought under control,” Ewanta said.
“We are committed to safeguarding the lives of residents, and no one found harbouring or supporting cult members will be spared.”
He further stressed that the ultimatum to the Okiaghales of Obagie, Ofunwegbe, and Ara communities is a clear signal that the government is serious about enforcing law and order.
Security operatives in Edo State have reportedly intensified community-based intelligence gathering in recent weeks.
Residents of affected communities were encouraged to provide information about cult activities, which significantly aided the recent raids.
Eyewitnesses said that prior to the arrests, residents had raised alarms about armed groups moving around their neighborhoods, prompting swift action by security operatives.
The current clampdown also aligns with a broader state initiative to dismantle cult networks that have long threatened the peace and security of Benin City and surrounding areas.
Analysts say that such operations not only target the immediate perpetrators of violence but also aim to disrupt the hierarchical structures of cult organizations.
By arresting influential members like Okiaghales, security agencies hope to weaken the leadership of these groups, making it harder for them to operate with impunity.
In addition to the ongoing investigations, the Edo State government is working with local law enforcement to identify and apprehend other suspected cult members.
Sources revealed that a list of names is being compiled, and officers are prepared to execute further raids in coordination with community leaders and local vigilante groups.
The recent arrests have sent a strong message across Edo State that cult-related violence will not be tolerated.
Security experts say that the combined efforts of the ESSS and the state police command demonstrate an effective model for community-centered policing, where intelligence and rapid response converge to neutralize threats.
As investigations continue, residents of Amagba, Obagie, Ofunwegbe, and Ara communities have been urged to cooperate with security operatives.
Authorities emphasized that anyone found aiding or harbouring cult members will face prosecution under Edo State law.
Meanwhile, the state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens while systematically dismantling criminal cult networks.
The arrests of Omoruyi, Okunozee, and Osahon mark a critical step in curbing cult violence in Benin City.
With weapons seized and investigations ongoing, Edo State security operatives remain vigilant, seeking to restore peace and stability across communities affected by cult clashes.
Ireport247news
