Edo State Police Command has intensified its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. In a statement signed by ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, she said: “Irked by the ongoing inter cult rival killings in some parts of Edo State in the last 72 hours, the Edo State Police Command has responded by massive raids and arrests of cultists suspected to be associated with the crime.
“Following credible information that cult activities was ongoing along Oho Street, Uselu, Benin City, operatives of the command immediately mobilized to the scene. On arrival at the scene, the operatives met the body of a young man later identified as one Taiwo Edigie with the head severed and dropped at a different location from where the body was found.
“Also a similar report was received on the same day that along Imuetiyan Street Off Ojo Road, Ugbowo, a yet to be identified young man was killed also in connection with the ongoing cult fight.
“Intense raiding was carried out around the axis the incident occurred and the following suspects were arrested – David Ebube, Chiedu Rex, Samuel Ebi, Charles Eke, Monday(aka Work of God), Kelvin Izea, Harry Christ, Emmanuel John, Israel Omale, Emmanuel Eghaghae, Destiny Reuben, Precious Osaemwingie, Biggy Tortive, Moses Edebo, Okoro Iyobun, Ezekel Ezi, Frank Amadasu, Efosa Kelvin, Desmond Moses, Jude Precious, Kenneth Osaretin, Joshua Osarodion, Chidi Adia, Osas Emmanuel, Osas Cliffod, Godtimes Emmanuel, Julius Urhie, Philip Agho, Godbless Mathiew and Kingsley Edet.
“Profiling is still ongoing and anyone found culpable or related to any of the cult rivalry killings would be arraigned in court as soon as profiling is concluded.
“The Commissioner of Police(CP), Abutu Yaro, while commiserating with the bereaved families, assures the good people of Edo State, of the Command’s unrelenting efforts in ensuring that there is no hiding place for criminals. The CP specifically warns members of Eiye and Aye cult groups to renege their violent rivalry that has resulted to avoidable deaths of their members or be ready for more arrest and prosecution in the days ahead.”
