11 suspected cultists arrested in Edo

The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-cultism on Thursday said it had arrested 11 suspected members of different cult groups in the state, vowing to win the cult war.

Speaking at a press briefing on the activities of the task force made up of eight security outfits and four ministries, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the suspects were arrested in several parts of the state by the crack team of the task force.

While calling on cult members to renounce their membership, he warned that no political, religious, ethnic, or social standing would protect anyone involved in cult activities.

He said, “The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has issued a strong warning that there will be no hiding place for cultists in Edo State.

“The task force headed by the Department of State Services was created by the Governor Obaseki government in response to increasing cult killings which had claimed many youthful lives across the state. The directive was clear: Crush cultism with an iron fist.

“Since the inauguration of the task force, it has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rid Edo State of cultism. Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade the youths in particular from joining cults.

Beyond persuasion,  the task force has made several arrests of key cult members across board through painstaking intelligence procurement.

“On August 7, 2024, task force operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community.

On August 10, 2024, at approximately 23:40 hours, a massive show of force was conducted within Benin City. Acting on a tip-off, the team stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba where cult members were holding a meeting. Two suspects were apprehended on the spot.

He said the crackdown continued on August 10, 2024, when the operatives, leveraging critical intelligence, arrested a key cult leader in the Ekosodin area of Ovia North East Local Government Area.

“The following day, in a pre-dawn raid between 03:20 and 05:00 hours, five more notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were taken into custody.

“A total of 11 suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.”

He added, “Let it be clear, this is just the beginning. We have a long list of targets, and the task force will stop at nothing until every last cultist is brought to justice. No one is above the law. No political, religious, ethnic, or social standing will protect anyone involved in cult activities.

“This is a stern warning to all cult members: renounce your affiliations now, or face the full wrath of the law. Parents, we urge you to be vigilant and steer your children away from this path of destruction. The government of Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to restoring peace and security in our state.

“Governor Obaseki has made it clear that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced to its fullest. The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism is empowered to crush all cult-related activities and enforce the ban on the notorious Okaighele groups. We will not rest until Edo State is free from the clutches of cultism. This is a fight we will win.”