Metro

Edo Govt Arrests 20 Suspected Cultists, Demolishes Properties

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

Edo State Special Security Squad said it arrested twenty suspected cultists and demolished about four houses linked to them in an operation carried out in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The Special Security Squad made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Benin by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).

Itua in the statement said that the operation followed the “brutal killing of a young man (a barber ) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes.”

The statement reads, “About twenty suspects were arrested during the operations, and four houses were demolished, including a building located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.

“The building, which served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence. Two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe were found in the house.

“Too-Believe, who is currently on the run, is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region.

“Another house also demolished in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belongs to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber.

“A property in the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe belonging to another cult leader was also demolished. The house was earlier raided a day before, which led to the arrest of two young men, Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21). The suspects confessed they were brought to the area to engage in cybercrime activities commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.”

Speaking after the demolition exercise, John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, said: “The Governor gave 166 days of grace to all cultists to renounce, offering soft loans and skills training. That window was ignored. Now, desperate times call for desperate action. This demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law.”

He emphasized that the house was directly linked to the murder in Auchi earlier in the week, with evidence including weapons and cult insignia found on-site.

Another member of the security squad, Eribo Emwanta, added: “We are advising parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harboring criminals are next.”

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.