At least 14 persons suspected of being involved in cult-related activities have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command after hijacking a corpse and attempting to prevent the deceased from being buried.
The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said in a statement on Monday that the suspects also attacked two commercial motorcyclists, inflicting grievous injuries with various weapons.
She added that police operatives swiftly intervened, restored order, and recovered eleven cutlasses, one dagger knife, and one shovel as exhibits.
According to her, the injured victims were taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for medical attention, while investigations continue.
The statement partly reads, “The Command has recorded a breakthrough in Uromi, where 14 male suspects — namely, Promise Oyido (18), Jude Usidebhosoh (38), Mutairu Alhaji (23), Samson Usidehofo (40), Collins Esaigbe (22), Osemudiamen Iyere (26), Christian Akhare (28), Evidence Osamare (28), Joshua Augustine (25), Kelvin Micheal (21), Goddey Anuka (35), Blessed Ohue (24), Joseph Okhun (27), and Charles Okhare (34) — were arrested following a violent disturbance suspected to be cult-related.
“The incident occurred during a burial ceremony when suspected cult members hijacked a corpse and attacked two commercial motorcyclists, inflicting grievous injuries.
“Police operatives swiftly intervened, restored order, and recovered eleven cutlasses, one dagger knife, and one shovel as exhibits. The injured victims were taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for medical attention, while investigations continue.”
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the dedication, professionalism, and synergy among operatives and community security partners, noting that the strategic deployment of technology such as drones has further strengthened the command’s operational efficiency.
He reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols, bush-clearance operations, intelligence-led policing, and swift responses to all security threats across the state.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance collective safety.
PUNCH previously reported that the command arrested 28 suspects involved in cult-related activities across the state in June last year.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the then command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the arrests were made during raids on criminal hideouts.
Following thorough screening, 19 of the suspects were found culpable and subsequently charged to court. Three of the suspects also confessed to being members of cult groups and have already been arraigned.
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