Edo taskforce arrests 11 suspected cultists

The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has arrested eleven cultist, urging others to either renounce their memberships in the various deadly groups or face consequences.

The task force, established by Governor Godwin Obaseki in response to a series of killings by cultists across the state, delivered the warning at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Thursday.

During the briefing, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, who is also a member of the task force, emphasized the state government’s determination to eliminate cultism.

Nehikhare explained that the task force, led by Mr. Yusuf Bichi, Edo State Director of the Department of State Security (DSS), was created to “rid Edo State of cultists.”

The commissioner noted that the task force had achieved some success, having arrested eleven suspected cultists, including leaders of the feared groups, across the state assuring that they would be prosecuted without delay.

“The Edo State Task Force on Anti-Cultism has issued a strong warning that there will be no hiding place for cultists in Edo State.

The task force, headed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was established by Governor Obaseki’s administration in response to the increasing number of cult-related killings that have claimed many young lives across the state. The directive was clear – crush cultism with an iron fist.

“Since its inauguration, the task force has demonstrated unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism in Edo State.

Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade young people from joining cults.

Beyond persuasion, the task force has made several key arrests of cult members through diligent intelligence gathering.

“On August 7, 2024, task force operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community.

“On August 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 PM, a significant show of force was conducted in Benin City.

Acting on a tip-off, the team raided a hotel in Upper Sakponba where cult members were holding a meeting, apprehending two suspects on the spot.

“The crackdown continued on August 13, 2024, when operatives, utilizing critical intelligence, arrested a key cult leader in the Ekosodin area of Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The following day, in a pre-dawn raid between 3:20 AM and 5:00 AM, five more notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were taken into custody.”

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“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 task force 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 shield anyone involved in cult activities.

This is a stern warning to all cult members: renounce your affiliations now, or face the full force of the law. Parents, we urge you to be vigilant and steer your children away from this path of destruction.

The government of Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to restoring peace and security in our state.

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 eradicate 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.

This is a fight we will win,” Nehikhare vowed.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE