Edo Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Dismiss Herdsmen Scare as False Alarm
The Edo State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists in a series of coordinated raids across the state, targeting known hideouts of major cult groups, PRNigeria reports.
The operation, which began on April 28, was carried out by combined tactical teams. According to police sources, the raids resulted in the apprehension of individuals linked to three notorious cult factions: 33 suspected members of the Malphites Confraternity, 34 members of the Aye (Black Axe) Confraternity, and 28 suspects associated with the Eiye Confraternity.
During the operation, security forces recovered a single-barrel shotgun with four live cartridges, as well as two Malphite-branded caps. The suspects are facing various charges, including involvement in cult-related murders and violent crimes over the past few weeks.
Read Also:
According to Zagazola, authorities have reassured the public that the crackdown will continue, with a strong commitment to eradicating cultism in the state. Police officials have warned that there will be no safe haven for cultists and their sponsors in Edo.
In a separate development, the police have dismissed reports of an alleged herdsmen attack in Fugar, Etsakor Central Local Government Area, as a false alarm. The incident reportedly began when a cassava farmer in the Odame Ebirra settlement saw two herdsmen, leading to widespread panic in the community.
The commotion briefly unsettled residents, but investigations confirmed that no attack or injuries occurred.
Authorities have attributed the scare to mischief-makers and urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
Edo police have emphasized their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the state, calling for vigilance and responsible reporting from the public.
By PRNigeria
