EDO: SPECIAL SECURITY SQUAD ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULT LEADERS IN BENIN CITY
Several suspected cult leaders have been nabbed in and around Bein City, capital of Edo State.
A press release issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Staff Governor, said the Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has arrested some suspected cult leaders and members in Evboutubu part of Benin City, as part of efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for Edo people.
Itua said that the squad set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo to keep Edo State safe, on Friday, conducted another raid and arrested a suspected leader of a cult group in his hideout at Iguedaiyi village and his residence was searched where weapons were allegedly recovered.
Two previous suspected cult members arrested in similar operations led by the Squad assisted in the discovery of several hideouts of their members where weapons and other dangerous materials were reportedly found.
The team, which is made up of the Military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Hunters, Vigilante groups, and repentant cultists, among other critical stakeholders in Edo State, carried out a coordinated raid of several hotspots in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.
The move and action of the Security Squad indicates the seriousness of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration in flushing out criminal elements from Edo State.
Speaking on the recent developments after the activities of the Security Squad on Friday, a member of the team, Ameloemen Idemudia Noah, noted that the operation of the team was based on intelligence reports and investigation.
He said they are guided by professionalism and accountability as community engagement remains the hallmark of their operations.
“We want the public to know that our operation is not politically motivated as some persons are trying to drag the team to tarnish its image. We will keep our heads straight and do the job we are called to do. We will do it perfectly well knowing that the people of the state are expecting much from the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“Today’s activities were a success as the team recovered weapons from suspected cult leaders arrested. We are getting cooperation from communities. These community members have complained bitterly over the operations of some of the arrested cult members.
“Those we arrested are cultists, but if they are involved in other criminal activities, it is the law enforcement agencies that will prove that,” he noted.
Noah said the mandate of the team was to flush out kidnappers and cultism, but in the process of carrying out the duty of the team, other crimes might surface.
“The killing and insecurity in the state must be stopped, and all criminal elements must be arrested and brought to book to ensure the state is safe for all Edo people,” he concluded.
