Metro

Taskforce Arrests Butcher, 10 Others For Cultism In Edo

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2024

Editor

By Joseph Kanjo

The Edo State Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism on Thursday said it arrested a butcher who is also high ranking leader of a cult group in the state.

The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare disclosed this on behalf of the taskforce while parading 11 arrested cultists in Benin City.

Nehikhare said the cult leader was arrested at the Ekosodin axis along with five other suspects in Ovia North East Local Government Area

He said the taskforce also arrested three suspected cultists on August 7, 2024 within the Auchi Polytechnic community.

Also, he disclosed that on August 10, 2024 after the taskforce conducted a massive show of force within Benin City, the operatives stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba where suspected cultists were holding a meeting and arrested two suspects on the spot.

The commissioner said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing.

He added that the taskforce has made several arrests of key cult members across board through painstaking intelligence information.

Nehikhare said the taskforce established by Governor Godwin Obaseki is headed by the Department of State Services, DSS.

He stated that the establishment of the taskforce was in response to increasing cult killings which had claimed many youthful lives across the state.

“Since the inauguration of the taskforce, it has demonstrated unwavering commitment to rid Edo State of cultism.

“Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade the youths in particular from joining cults.

“A total of eleven suspects are currently in custody and investigations are ongoing. Let it be clear: this is just the beginning.

“We have a long list of targets, and the taskforce will stop at nothing until every last cultist is brought to justice. No one is above the law. No political, religious, ethnic, or social standing will protect anyone involved in cult activities.

“Governor Obaseki has made it clear that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced to its fullest extent.

“The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism is empowered to crush all cult-related activities and enforce the ban on the notorious Okaighele groups. We will not rest until Edo State is free from the clutches of cultism,” he said.

The commissioner all cultists to renounce their affiliations, noting that those that failed to renounce membership with face the full wrath of the law.

He also appealed to parents to be vigilant and steer their children away from the path of destruction, adding that the government of Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to restoring peace and security in the state.

Metro

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

Published

8 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.