The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly being used for cult initiation activities following the killing of a student near the University of Benin.
The arrests were carried out during a series of coordinated raids across several locations identified as cultism hotspots in Benin City and surrounding communities.
Security operatives involved in the operation reportedly stormed areas including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters in an intensified crackdown against cult-related violence in the state.
The operation was led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, as part of ongoing efforts by the state government to tackle rising insecurity and violent cult clashes.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the security squad, Noah Idemudia, confirmed the arrests and disclosed that the authorities also sealed two apartments allegedly connected to cult initiation activities.
“Twelve suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the killing of a young man on Sunday. Two apartments allegedly used for cult initiations have also been sealed during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin City,” Idemudia stated.
He explained that the security operation followed intelligence reports linking several communities and individuals to violent cult activities and the circulation of illegal weapons within parts of the state.
According to him, some community leaders, popularly referred to as Okaigheles, were allegedly harbouring criminals and enabling violent activities within their domains.
“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” he said.
Idemudia warned that the Edo State Government would not tolerate any form of complicity in cultism, violent crimes or illegal possession of weapons.
He further stressed that community leaders would be held accountable if unlicensed firearms were found within their territories.
“The governor is warning Okaigheles to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals,” he added.
The security spokesperson clarified that although the 12 suspects were arrested during investigations connected to the recent killing near the UNIBEN gate, they had not yet been directly linked to the murder itself.
However, he stated that the suspects were identified as members of different cult groups after security operatives allegedly discovered incriminating items, cult-related symbols and other materials in their possession.
According to him, the suspects have since been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling, interrogation and further investigation.
“The suspects arrested are not directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but preliminary investigations identified them as members of different cult groups based on items and symbols allegedly recovered from them,” he explained.
On the apartments sealed during the operation, Idemudia disclosed that one of the properties located at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used as a centre for cult initiation ceremonies.
He said security operatives encountered resistance while attempting to arrest suspects at the location, although the operation was eventually successful.
According to him, another apartment situated at Evbuomore Quarters was found containing shrines, fetish objects and other items suspected to be connected to cult initiation rituals.
Security operatives reportedly recovered several materials believed to be used during initiation rites and other secret activities carried out by cult groups.
The owners of both properties have reportedly been invited for questioning as investigations continue.
Idemudia said the state government remained determined to dismantle criminal networks and clamp down on cultism, which has become a major source of violence and insecurity in Edo State.
He warned sponsors and financiers of cult groups to immediately withdraw support for criminal activities or risk prosecution under the law.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
Cult-related violence has remained a major security concern in Benin City and several parts of Edo State over the years, with rival groups frequently engaging in deadly clashes that have claimed many lives.
Communities around the University of Benin, particularly Ekosodin and Ugbowo, have repeatedly witnessed violent confrontations involving suspected cult groups, often leading to panic among residents and students.
The recent killing near the university reportedly heightened tensions within the area and prompted intensified security operations by the state government.
Residents have continued to express concern over the growing activities of cult groups, illegal arms possession and violent attacks in parts of the state.
Security analysts say the latest crackdown by the Edo State Special Security Squad reflects increasing efforts by the government to restore order and tackle organised criminal networks linked to cultism.
Authorities have also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information capable of helping to identify criminal hideouts and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, investigations into the recent killing near the University of Benin and other suspected cult-related activities are said to be ongoing.
