95 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Benin as Police Recover Firearms in Week-Long Raids
The Edo State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cult members and recovered firearms and ammunition following a coordinated, week-long crackdown on cult-related violence in Benin City. The operation, which targeted notorious confraternities, led to the seizure of two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges.
In a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, revealed that the suspects are believed to be members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities—groups reportedly behind a recent surge in cult supremacy clashes and killings across the state.
According to Yamu, 64 of the arrested suspects have already been charged to court and remanded in custody, while investigations continue on the remaining individuals.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, issued a stern warning to young people against joining unlawful groups, stressing that such associations often lead to the destruction of lives and futures. He also called on parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s activities.
The police spokesperson assured residents of Edo State that the command remains committed to combating cultism and restoring peace and safety across communities.
