It was learnt that the body of a decapitated man identified as Taiwo Edigie, 40, was left at a location different from where his head was found during one of the raids.
No fewer than 30 suspected cultists have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command in raids carried out in different parts of Benin City, the state capital.
It was learnt that the body of a decapitated man identified as Taiwo Edigie, 40, was left at a location different from where his head was found during one of the raids.
This was disclosed in a statement by ASP Jennifer U. Iwegbu, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, which noted that the operation was carried out after receiving credible information that cult activities were ongoing along Oho Street, Uselu, Benin City.
Irked by the ongoing inter-cult rival killings in some parts of the state in the last 72 hours, the state police command has responded by carrying out massive raids and arrests of cult members suspected to be associated with the crime.
The statement reads, "Following credible information that cult activities were ongoing along Oho street, Uselu, Benin City, on 25/08/2022, operatives of the command immediately mobilized to the scene.
"On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the command met the body of a young man later identified as One Taiwo Edigie ‘M’ 40yrs 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 to 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 Work of God, Kelvin Izea, Harry Christ, Emmanuel John, Isreal Omale, Emmanuel Eghaghae, Destiny Reuben, Precious Osaemwingie, Biggy Tortive, Moses Edebo, Okoro Iyobun, Ezekiel Ezi, Frank Amadasu, Efosa Kelvin, Desmond Moses, Jude Precious, Kenneth Osaratin, Joshua Osarodion, Chidi Adia, Osas Emmanuel, Osas Clifford, Godtimes Emmanuel, Julius Urhie, Philip Agho, Godbless Mathiew, 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, fdc 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 group and Aye Cult groups to renege their violent rivalry that has resulted in avoidable deaths of their members or be ready for more arrest and prosecution in the days ahead," the statement added.