BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Raiders Squad of the Edo State Police Command has successfully executed a well-coordinated raid on an armory operated by a notorious cult group terrorizing residents across the State.
During the intelligent-driven operation, an alleged operator of the armory, a member of the gang’s hit squad were arrested and the illegally stockpiled dangerous firearms, confiscated.
The dismantled cultists’ arms depot was discovered in a private residence at Iyekemose Street, Benin-City, the state capital.
Commissioner of Police, Edo State CP Umoru Ozigi disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City, Friday, November 15.
CP Umoru disclosed that the raided armoury was linked to the Supreme Eiye Confraternity as two of its members, Osamudiamen James, 44 and Omokaro Joseph, 44, aka “Joe Best” were apprehended with arms during the operation and a manhunt that ensued.
According to the police Commissioner the whole exercise spanned three days from October 31 to November 3.
“On 31/10/2024, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Raiders Squad stormed Iyekemuose Street, Benin-City and arrested one Osamudiamen James 44yrs with one (1) pump action rifle and two (2) live cartridges. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to be a member of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity and led operatives to their armoury where one Omokaro Joseph “aka Joe Best” who is in charge of the armoury escaped arrest.
“One pump action, 5 live cartridges, 12 expended cartridges and a gun muffler were recovered. Omokaro Joseph 44yrs (aka Joe Best) was later trailed and arrested on 03/11/2024, he also confessed being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
“He further confessed to have sold guns to several individuals within Benin and environs. Five (5) pump action guns, three (3) single barrel guns and eighteen (18) cartridges were recovered through him. Investigation is ongoing”, CP Umoru said.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several key suspects believed to be behind the stockpiling of the weapons intended for violent confrontations with rival gangs.
It was further gathered that the cult group had acquired the array of dangerous firearms and ammunition as part of its preparations to further escalate ongoing cult-related violence in parts of Edo State, particularly Benin City.
The successful operation has significantly disrupted the group’s plans, leaving it with severely depleted resources and throwing a wrench into its ability to execute further attacks.
CP Umoru Ozigi stated that the command also recorded significant achievements in reducing cult violence as additional 17 suspected members of other cult groups were arrested with their arms and ammunition seized across the state.
“On 03/11/2024 at about 1900hrs, Operatives of Jattu Division while on stop and search along Jattu/Ibie road intercepted one Promise Musa 24yrs riding an unregistered Hajoue Motorcycle, who upon interrogation confessed to be an active member of Vikings secret cult. Upon further interrogation, he led operatives to the residence of other cult members Lucky Adoga 27yrs and Joseph Osomhegbe 34yrs were arrested and two (2) locally made cut to size guns, three (3) live cartridges and one battle axe were recovered.
“They all confessed to be active members of Vikings secret cult and claimed to have bought the two recovered guns from one Kingsley Surname unknown residing at Okpekpe community, who had been on the Command’s wanted list. Efforts is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang”, he stated.
According to CP Umoru Ozigi, “on the 12/11/2024 at about 1300hrs, Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit while on stop and search along Benin-Agbor Road by-pass intercepted a Lexus 350 saloon car with Reg No.
Abuja GWA 960 BP driven by one Chinedu Okuoliseh 27yrs. Upon interrogation, he confessed to be an active member of Eiye secret confraternity and led operatives to his residence located at Benin/Agbor Road bypass where one locally made beretta pistol was recovered. He claimed to have bought the said gun at the cost of ₦400,000 from a serving member of Nigeria Air Force. Investigation is ongoing”.
The police boss further said that the ongoing onslaught against violent crimes is total assuring that under his watch Edo State will become a tough ground for criminals and their allies.
“Today being 15/11/2024 at about 0500hrs, Operatives of Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad acting on credible intelligence at the disposal of the command swung into action and effected the arrest the following suspects; John Limoh 32yrs, Japhet Otaru 28yrs, Toluwani Emmauel 28yrs and Destiny Israel 22yrs.
“They confessed to be members of a notorious cult group Buccaneer confraternity who are known for terrorizing Comprehensive Road Off Warranke in Auchi LGA. Immediate search conducted at their houses led to the recovery of one (1) locally made Beretta Pistol and two (2) live cartridges. Investigation is ongoing.”
He explained that the Command Anti-Cultism Unit had on November 10, acted on credible intelligence and arrested the trio of Nnamdi Mbanusi, 43, Ehis Albert, 38, and Obazee Ogbe, 39, while holding cult related meeting at an uncompleted building in Ogbe quarters, Benin City.
Six live cartridges were allegedly recovered from them while others escaped as the suspects confessed to be members of the Neo Black Movement a.k.a BLACK AXE.
Summary of arrests include 23 suspects (Kidnapping-4 and Cultism-19), while arms recovered are 18 assorted guns, 82 live and 14 expended cartridges, one battle axe, a gun muffler and one Lexus ES 330 Vehicle.
These exhibits were believed to be intended for use in ongoing clashes between cult groups, a persistent issue in the state that has led to numerous deaths.
As investigations continue, CP Umoru Ozigi urged anyone with information on cult activities to come forward and assist in further dismantling the gangs operating in the state.
He however applauded residents of the state for volunteering useful information that helped in the arrest of the suspects.
Speaking with journalists, some of the suspects confessed to the crime, blaming the devil for their actions as others denied involvement.
It would be recalled that the newly sworn in governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo has last Wednesday directed the state commissioner of police, CP Umoru Ozigi to address the spate of cult-related violence in the State.
