Edo Police Arrest 95 Suspects in Ongoing Crackdown on Deadly Cult Clashes
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The Edo State Police Command has arrested 95 individuals in connection with a fresh surge of cult-related violence that has claimed multiple lives across the state in recent weeks.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations in Benin City and nearby communities. The raids targeted members of rival cult groups reportedly engaged in deadly clashes for territorial dominance.
Police identified the arrested individuals as suspected members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities—groups long associated with violent turf wars in the region.
“So far, 64 of the suspects have been formally charged in court and remanded,” Yamu confirmed. “Investigations are still ongoing regarding the remaining suspects.”
During the raids, law enforcement also recovered a cache of weapons, including two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges.
The violence, described as part of a renewed battle for supremacy, has heightened concerns among residents of Edo State, particularly in Benin where the clashes are concentrated.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards, warning that involvement in secret cults can lead to devastating consequences.
“This is a serious issue,” Agbonika said. “We urge youths to stay away from unlawful groups that offer nothing but destruction and death.”
The police emphasized that the crackdown would continue until the state regains full stability.
Content retrieved from: https://www.tv360nigeria.com/edo-police-arrest-95-suspects-in-ongoing-crackdown-on-deadly-cult-clashes/.
