BENIN CITY — The Edo State Police Command has intensified its offensive against cult-related crimes with a new strategy that includes house-to-house arrests of identified cult members, following recent raids on criminal hideouts in the state capital.
On Tuesday, 4 June, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., operatives of the Command stormed several suspected blackspots across Benin City.
The operation led to the arrest of 28 persons, 19 of whom were found to have credible links to cultism and were subsequently charged to court.
In a statement issued in Benin City by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the Command disclosed that the anti-cultism drive has been expanded to include direct arrests of known cult members at their places of residence.
So far, three individuals have been arrested under this approach, all of whom confessed to being members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities. They have been arraigned accordingly.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, said the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to eliminate cultism or reduce it to its barest minimum.
He warned that anyone involved in cult activities must either renounce their affiliation, leave the state, or face the full force of the law as provided by the Edo State Secret Cult and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law.
The Police Commissioner expressed confidence that the operations would significantly improve public safety and restore confidence among residents.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police through the Command’s emergency lines.
The intensified crackdown comes amid growing concerns over cult-related violence in Edo, with authorities promising sustained action until the threat is fully neutralised.
