The Edo State Police Command has issued a strong warning to cult groups allegedly planning to unleash violence on July 7, marking the Aye Cult Founders’ Day.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, who said the police had already made strategic deployments across the state to prevent any breach of peace.
“Following intelligence reports received by the command that certain cult groups are planning to cause mayhem on 7/7, which is an annual event, the Edo State Police Command has, in a proactive move, made deployments across the state to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, also appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their wards and warned owners of bars, lounges, hotels, and other public venues not to accommodate or permit illegal gatherings linked to cult activities.
“Anyone found aiding or abetting cult-related activities will face the full wrath of the law,” Agbonika said. “We will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peace and safety of Edo people.”
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious gatherings or movements by calling the police emergency lines: 08077773721 or 08037646272.
The warning follows a series of recent crackdowns by the command on suspected cultists. Sixteen individuals linked to various confraternities were arrested across the state in the past weeks.
Among them was Bello Salami, a 33-year-old self-confessed member of the Maphite Confraternity. He was apprehended at the Benin Airport on June 28 while allegedly attempting to flee the state after being implicated in the murder of three local vigilante members along Wire Road in Benin City.
Recovered during the arrest were rounds of live ammunition, and investigations are ongoing.
“The command remains committed to ridding Edo of criminal elements and ensuring that the state remains peaceful,” Yamu stated.
He reaffirmed that all suspects currently in custody will be prosecuted in accordance with the law once investigations are complete.
The police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on cultism and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.
