Edo State Taskforce Arrests Butcher and 10 Others for Cult Activities
On Thursday, Edo State’s Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism announced the arrest of a butcher who is also a senior figure in a local cult group. Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, made this statement on behalf of the taskforce during a press conference in Benin City, where they showcased 11 detained suspects.
Nehikhare revealed that the cult leader was apprehended in the Ekosodin area, along with five other individuals, in the Ovia North East Local Government Area. Additionally, three suspected cult members were arrested on August 7, 2024, within the Auchi Polytechnic community. On August 10, 2024, following a significant operation in Benin City, taskforce personnel raided a hotel in Upper Sakponba where suspected cultists were gathered and detained two individuals at the scene.
The commissioner noted that the suspects are now in custody as investigations continue. He highlighted that the taskforce has successfully captured several key cult members through diligent intelligence gathering.
Established by Governor Godwin Obaseki and led by the Department of State Services (DSS), the taskforce was created in response to escalating cult-related violence in the state. Nehikhare emphasized that the taskforce’s initial approach included community education and engagement to deter youth from joining cults.
“Currently, eleven suspects are in custody, and our efforts are just beginning,” Nehikhare stated. “We have an extensive list of targets, and we are determined to bring every cultist to justice. No individual, regardless of their political, religious, or social status, will be spared if involved in cult activities. Governor Obaseki has insisted that the new anti-cultism law will be strictly enforced.”
The commissioner called on all cultists to abandon their affiliations, warning that those who do not comply will face severe legal consequences. He also urged parents to be vigilant and guide their children away from destructive paths, affirming that under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace and security to Edo State.
