One injured, 31 arrested in Edo cult clash

THIRTY-ONE suspects were arrested after one person sustained severe injuries when rival cult groups clashed in Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, who revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the Edo State Special Security Squad arrested the 31 suspects following coordinated raids in the area.

According to Itua, the operation is part of the state government’s efforts to curb cult-related violence and rising criminal activities.

He said the arrests were linked to a violent clash between rival cult groups on November 13.

He said the squad conducted simultaneous raids on Sunday, targeting known hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and the Ewoyi area of Uromi.

He noted that the operations were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilante teams, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

He said, “It was revealed that one person sustained severe injuries while 31 suspects were arrested by the Edo State Special Security Squad following coordinated raids in the area.

“The joint forces stormed residential buildings occupied by members of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities. Incriminating items, including battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other dangerous materials, were recovered, further linking the suspects to the recent fracas.

“Authorities have launched a manhunt for additional members believed to have fled during the raids.”

Speaking after the operation, the Squad Coordinator, Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the crackdown followed credible intelligence implicating several individuals in the clash, which stemmed from a dispute over a fraudulent financial transaction.

He disclosed that two alleged ringleaders, identified as Gift and Ache, remain at large, and their properties have been sealed pending further investigations.

Noah detailed that the first major raid occurred at an apartment at Osigbemhe Lane associated with a Black Axe member, while the second at Arue Street, targeted an Eiye Confraternity operative.

He noted that all suspects apprehended have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command Headquarters, Uromi, for processing and interrogation.

Meanwhile, the squad has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the fleeing suspects to surrender themselves for questioning, warning that defiance would trigger decisive consequences from the State Government.

During the operation, several underage individuals were also found engaging in criminal activities, a development Noah described as “deeply troubling.”

He warned that the Edo State Government may begin taking legal action against parents of minors involved in crime as part of broader preventive measures.

One suspect, Nathaniel Kingsley, arrested at Ewoyi-Uromi, denied involvement in cultism despite the recovery of a battle axe, an emblem of the Black Axe confraternity, from his residence. He admitted only to participating in internet fraud.

Noah reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, assuring that every arrested individual will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

“Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and restoring public confidence,” he said.

PUNCH Metro reports that a cult clash between Eiye and Maphite confraternities in Evboyare Community in Uhunmwode Local Government, Edo State, left one person, identified as Festus, dead.

Noah described the scene of the clash as bloody while revealing that the residence of the alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, was sealed after intelligence linked him to the crisis.

He said that Aigbedion has been declared wanted and he is believed to have masterminded the assault during a community dispute that spiraled into cult violence.