Edo security team arrests 14 people over cult-related murder

The Edo State Security Corps has nabbed 14 suspects linked to a cult-related murder in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Last week, there was panic at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction. Residents, commuters, and business owners fled as suspected cultists shot and killed a middle-aged man.

After the killing, the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo led various security agencies on a raid of criminal hideouts in Edo North Senatorial District from Wednesday to Friday.

This operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects, while two others, who are also part of the ESSC, are still at large.

At Jattu Junction, the team took down Abiodun Motors Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers park.

On Sunday, Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated that the squad also raided Triple J & J Hotel, Aviele, where some suspects were arrested.

The team also targeted Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe, and other areas to find hideouts of criminals disturbing the peace in Edo North Senatorial District.

The arrests at the hotel came after intelligence reports indicated that the murder of the young man was planned there. The suspects allegedly moved from the hotel to execute the act at Jattu Motor Park.

After the arrests, the hotel was sealed off. Based on further intelligence, the team moved to Igbira Camp, where they believed the prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, lived, but he was not found.

Investigations showed that Kassim is a member of the Juris Confraternity. Idris Mustapha, who is also missing, is said to be part of the ESSC. Both have been given 24 hours to report to the Area Command in Auchi.

The squad has told the Auchi sector commander of ESSC, under whose command they operate, to ensure both suspects are brought to justice.

Eribo Ewanta, the spokesperson for the squad, spoke about the arrests. He said Governor Okpebholo ordered the team to restore peace and catch those behind the killing.

He said, "We have arrested 14 suspects connected to the killing and they are helping security agencies with useful information that will help in the arrest of all others at large, including the mastermind of the killing.

"Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will not allow any form of criminality in Edo State as criminals will no longer be safe operating in the state.

"The parks at Jattu Junction where the young man was killed have been demolished because they are operating and collecting revenue, which has been banned by the Okpebholo-led administration.

"The governor has banned unauthorized revenue collection across the state, but in this park in Jattu, they are still engaged in illegal revenue collection. The property will be utilized for the benefit of Edo people as the governor will bring development here."

He added that investigations revealed the killing originated from Kassim.

"We are giving the sector commander of ESSC, Auchi, 24 hours to produce Anefi Kassim and Idris Mustapha, who are key suspects in the Auchi killing. Failure to do that, they will be declared wanted," he said.