Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have apprehended 95 individuals suspected of cult-related activities and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition during a week-long operation aimed at curbing cult violence in Benin City.
In a statement released on Saturday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests and recovery of two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during targeted, intelligence-driven raids.
The suspects are believed to be members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which have been linked to recent deadly clashes over cult supremacy in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, cautioned young people against joining illegal groups and urged parents to keep a closer watch on their children’s activities. “These groups destroy futures and claim lives, both of members and innocent citizens,” he warned.
Out of the 95 suspects, 64 have already been arraigned and remanded in custody, while investigations continue into the remaining cases.
The police assured Edo residents of their ongoing commitment to dismantling cult networks and enhancing public safety.
