BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Eighty suspected cultists were paraded on Monday by the Commissioner of police in Edo State (CP) Mohammed Dankwara amid ongoing intensified fight against the menacing cult-related violent crimes ravaging in the state.
Arms and live ammunitions recovered from some of them were displayed during the parade at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters, Benin City on December 11, 2023.
The CP also warned patrons and leaders of cult groups to stop forthwith or be ready to face the full wrath of the law, saying that all 80 males suspected cultists were picked during raids of flashpoints in the state capital.
He further said that some of the suspects were arrested in two brothels while they were planning an attack on marked members of their rivals cult groups.
“Whoever, either in government or outside government that is into cult activities or supporting them tactically, physically, or financially to desist from that.
“Anybody no matter how highly placed he may be, once it is related to this and we get you, we are going to prosecute you. That is the only way I think we can go because the menace is getting out of hand, if we relent, they are ready to take over the state”, CP Mohammed stated.
The police boss explained that three cult groups were notorious for violent crimes in Edo State.
“They are from various cult groups but the prominent ones that always have problems are Aiye, Eiye and Maphite, if anything happens to one, others will galvanize to take revenge no matter the time, it might not be immediately.
“There is no benefit in being a cultist. Those that have ears let them hear”, he maintained.
CP Mohammed Dankwara urged all law-abiding members of the public to remain calm and be vigilant always as the police and other security agencies are on top of security situations in and around Edo State.
He assured that all the suspects would be arraigned accordingly.
Some of the suspects admitted membership of cult groups but denied participation in any cult-related crimes.
