Thirty-one suspected cultists and internet fraudsters have been arrested in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State, following coordinated raids by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism.
According to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the crackdown was triggered by a violent November 13 clash between rival cult groups that left one person severely injured. Acting on intelligence, security operatives carried out simultaneous raids on November 16 across Osigbemhe Lane, Arue Street, and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.
The operationled by the governor’s security team, the Uromi Divisional Police Officer, local vigilantes, and the Nigerian Army resulted in the recovery of battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other dangerous items believed to be linked to members of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities.
Squad Coordinator Idemudia Noah said more suspects are being tracked, noting that the clash stemmed from a dispute over a fraudulent financial transaction.
