Police operatives in Edo State have made a significant breakthrough in their ongoing crackdown on cult-related activities. The arrests were made in the early hours of March 24, 2026, following actionable intelligence. Four suspected cultists were apprehended in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Solomon Oboigbe, 27, Fidelis Omale, 26, Julius Oseyomon, 64, and Abraham Erumosele Momo, 54, are alleged members of the Eiye Confraternity. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearms recovered from the suspects were illegally acquired.
The police recovered four pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, and three expended cartridges during the operation. The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.
The suspects have since been arraigned in court following the conclusion of preliminary investigations. The police command has urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts, assuring that all reports would be treated with confidentiality.
The Edo State Police Command's efforts to rid the state of cultism and violent crimes are a welcome development. Commissioner Monday Agbonika's commitment to enhanced security operations is a testament to the police's resolve. However, the proliferation of illegal weapons in the state remains a pressing concern. The police must sustain their crackdown on cult-related activities and work towards dismantling the networks that facilitate the acquisition and distribution of these firearms. Ultimately, the safety and security of Edo State's residents depend on the police's ability to effectively tackle these issues.
