The Edo State task force has successfully apprehended 11 suspected cultists in a recent crackdown on illegal groups.
In the state of Edo, 11 alleged members from diverse secret cult organizations have been apprehended by the Anti-Cultism Special Task Force.
Chris Nehikhare, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, informed journalists about the task force’s activities on Thursday. He explained that the team had arrested various suspects across different parts of the state.
He cautioned that involvement in cult activities will not be shielded by political, religious, ethnic or social status and urged members to abandon their membership.
“The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has sent out a stern warning that cultists in Edo state will have nowhere to hide,” he stated.
Responding to the escalating deaths of young people throughout the state due to cult violence, Governor Obaseki’s administration established a task force under the leadership of the Department of State Services.
Their primary aim was unequivocal: dismantle and eradicate all traces of cultism through rigorous enforcement measures.
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He observed that the task force has displayed a dedication to eradicating cultism in the state, ever since its inauguration.
He stated that there have been endeavors aimed at education, persuasion, as well as community and stakeholder involvement to discourage young people from joining cults.
He further stated that, in addition to persuasion techniques, the task force has diligently gathered intelligence and successfully apprehended numerous crucial members of the cult.
“On August 7, 2024, three suspected cultists were arrested within the Auchi Polytechnic community by taskforce operatives,” he stated.
Around 23:40 hours on August 10, 2024, a significant display of strength occurred in Benin City. Acting upon receiving information from an informant, the team raided a hotel located in Upper Sakponba area where members of cult were conducting a meeting; two suspects got caught red-handed and arrested immediately.
On August 13, 2024, the crackdown persisted as operatives made use of crucial intelligence to seize a significant cult leader in the Ekosodin zone situated within Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The subsequent day, during a pre-dawn operation spanning from 03:20 to 05:00 hours, an additional five infamous cult members – consisting of distinguished officials and one individual who worked as a butcher- were apprehended.
Presently, 11 suspects have been taken into custody and investigations are still underway.
He observed that the taskforce has an extensive roster of objectives, and it is determined to pursue them relentlessly until each member of the cult is held accountable for their actions.
He warned, “All cult members must take note of this message: retract your associations immediately or be ready to face the complete consequences under law.”
