Among them were 58 cult members linked to the killings of eight persons in different locations in the state, according the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, while speaking to Journalists in Benin at the Command Headquarters where he paraded the suspects.
“There was heightened criminal activity viz cultism by rival cult groups: the Black Axe, Eiye, Black Mafians, Vikings within the period of 11th and 14th October, 2018, which led to the death of eight persons.
“The police quickly moved in and restored normalcy. 39 arms, 54 cartridges, three battle axes and five fake drinks were recovered from the 72 suspects.
Kokomu gave a breakdown of the category of suspects to include one Sampson Omorodion, 34, who was arrested for allegedly killing his younger brother, named Imuetiyan Omorodion aged 27, by stabbing him twice on the neck with a knife after an argument between them.
“On October 10, this year, the Command arrested two kidnappers at Five Junction for allegedly kidnapping a 36-year-old lady at Ugbowo area of Benin City,” he added.
The Police boss reiterated the need for citizens to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activity to the police for prompt attention, assuring that the state was unsafe for criminals.
One of the suspected cultists, a member of Eiye Confraternity, identified as Azuka Ike, said he joined the cult few years ago and has remained a member but was arrested in Delta State when he fled Edo State, following the renewed fracas with rival cult group.
Precious Okpako, a cab driver, who was rescued by the quick response of the Police, commended the Force for saving him from the armed robbers, who posed as customers.
“I was hired and my car taken from me at gun point and was locked in the booth of my car but I managed to escape and raise an alarm and the police responded to save me,” he said.
