The Edo State Police Department is taking firm action to put an end to the increasing violence caused by rival cult groups.
To achieve this, CP Mohammed Dankwara, the Edo state commissioner, ordered his officers to apprehend those responsible for the disturbances. As a result, 124 suspected cult members have been arrested.
During a press conference in Benin City on Thursday, July 20, 2023, CP Dankwara revealed that 97 of the suspects had been arraigned in court while the rest are currently in police custody. 13 of the accused have been released on bail, and 14 others are still under investigation.
You May Also Like
During the arrests, the police found dangerous weapons, including two swords, in the possession of the suspects. These discoveries were especially alarming to the police, as the recent cult attacks in Benin City have resulted in multiple fatalities.
To put an end to the violence, CP Dankwara has directed the Anti Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit, the Anti Cultism Unit, and the Crack Team, with support from the Edo Vigilante Network, to take action against the perpetrators.
The officers have been instructed to conduct raids in hotels, apartments, lounges, houses, and drinking joints, which are often used by cult members as planning grounds for attacks.
CP Dankwara also cautioned business owners to be vigilant about the customers they allow on their premises.
He warned suspected cult members to desist from causing harm and emphasized that the police operation to eradicate cultism and other crimes in Edo State is ongoing.
The Commissioner confirmed that he had held multiple meetings with stakeholders to address the issue of secret cult groups in Edo state.
The police are committed to working with the community to restore peace and ensure the safety of all residents.
More Stories
SERAP Demands Answers from Akpabio and Abbas Over ‘Fictitious’ N1.3bn Council Allocation
‘Probe alleged diversion of N6.3 billion constituency project funds’, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas.
Global Rights Observatory Issues Urgent Advisory to Nigeria Over Harassment of Anti-Corruption Group
SERAP to Akpabio, Abbas: ‘Refund N110bn Spent on Luxury Cars and Unlawful Allowances Now’
Edo Governor Vows Two-Week-Special Court to Fast-Track Death Sentences for Kidnappers and Cultists
