One person was killed and 27 others arrested after operatives of the Edo State Police Command disrupted a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the operation was carried out on Saturday night following actionable intelligence.
According to the police, the raid took place at about 10:00 p.m. on December 13, when officers stormed the location where suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria were allegedly gathered for an initiation exercise.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, led a combined team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes and hunters to Urohi Village, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma,” Ikoedem said.
He explained that the situation turned violent during the arrest operation when one of the suspects opened fire on the officers.
“In the course of the operation, a suspect engaged the police in a gun duel and was neutralised,” the police spokesperson stated.
“Twenty-seven other suspects were arrested at the scene.”
Ikoedem said several items were recovered from the suspects, including a locally made shotgun, a live cartridge, a battle axe, a knife and two Toyota Camry vehicles. Other exhibits include a Lexus RX Jeep without registration number, 51 mobile phones, 15 pairs of Timberland boots, and several sling bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, has ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
“The Commissioner commends the operatives for their swift response and professionalism and reassures residents of the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other criminal activities across Edo State,” Ikoedem added.
Agbonika also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information through the appropriate channels.
