The Edo State Special Security Squad in collaboration with other security agencies have arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State governor, Fred Itua.
Noah in the statement said the suspected cultists were arrested after credible intelligence was received from residents.
He said operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorising residents.
He added: “On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition.”
According to him, arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.
He said: “Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime.”
The coordinator said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects being members of the Eiye confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities across several Edo communities.
“From intelligence gathered and from the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to the Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people, who are pleased to see decisive action being taken.
“Among the weapons recovered were Baretta pistols, cut-to-size double-barrel shotguns, and AK-47 ammunition, all of which point to the extent of the threat posed by these individuals,” he noted.