Police arrest 11 suspected cultists in Edo
On Thursday, the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism announced the arrest of 11 suspected cult members across the state, pledging to eradicate cultism. At a press briefing, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, revealed that the arrests were made in various locations by the task force, which includes eight security agencies and four ministries.
Nehikhare urged cult members to abandon their affiliations, emphasizing that no political, religious, or social status would shield anyone involved in cult activities.
He noted that the task force, established by Governor Obaseki’s administration in response to rising cult-related violence, has been relentless in its efforts. Initial strategies involved community education and persuasion, but significant arrests have also been made. Key operations included:
- On August 7, 2024, the arrest of three suspects at Auchi Polytechnic.
- On August 10, 2024, a raid at a hotel in Upper Sakponba led to the arrest of two suspects.
- On the same day, another raid in Ekosodin resulted in the capture of a prominent cult leader.
- On August 11, 2024, five additional high-ranking cult members were apprehended in a pre-dawn operation.
Nehikhare assured that these actions are just the beginning, with the task force committed to pursuing all cult members until justice is served. He also urged parents to help prevent their children from joining cults, reaffirming the state’s commitment to enforcing the new anti-cultism law and eliminating all cult-related activities in Edo State.
