Task force arrests 11 suspected cultists, declares war on cultism in Benin

Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism, yesterday, paraded 11 suspected cultists arrested across the state following a surge in cultism and cult-related violence.

The task force also issued a strong warning that there will be no hiding place for cultists in the state. Edo State government had constituted the Special Task Force headed by the Department of State Services (DSS) in response to increasing cult killings, which claimed many lives across the state.

Speaking to reporters following the raid and arrest of the suspected cultists, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the Obaseki-led government’s directive was clear and aimed at crushing cultism with an iron fist.

“Since the inauguration of the task force, it has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rid Edo State of cultism. Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade the youths from joining cults.

“Beyond persuasion, the task force has made several arrests of key cult members across the board through painstaking intelligence procurement. On August 7, the task force operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community. Three days later, at about 11:40 p.m., a massive show of force was conducted within Benin City.

“Acting on a tip-off, the team stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba where cult members were holding a meeting. Two suspects were apprehended on the spot.

“The crackdown continued on August 13, when the operatives, leveraging on critical intelligence, arrested a key cult leader in the Ekosodin axis of Ovia North East Local Council. The following day, in a pre-dawn raid between 3:20 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., five notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were taken into custody,” Nehikhare said.