Edo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects over alleged involvement in cult-related killings in Auchi and its environs, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
DAILY POST reports that authorities of the command disclosed this on its official X handle, formerly Twitter.
According to the command, the suspects, who were members of Black Axe and Eiye groups were apprehended by operatives of South-Ibie Division and Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit.
It also disclosed that the arrest of the suspects was due to the breakout of violent attack between Aye, (Black Axe group) and Eiye secret cult confraternities on Thursday, 18 April, 2024 at South-Ibie, Etsako West Local Government.
The authorities reported that an individual named Umoru was fatally shot by members of the Eiye Cult group at Campus Gate, Auchi.
The incident led law enforcement operatives in the area to swiftly respond, resulting in the apprehension of seven members of the Black Axe group.
According to the statement, a young man affiliated with the Aye secret cult received a phone call from a fellow cult member, urging him to vacate the area where Umoru was targeted for attack.
Following his departure, Umoru was indeed attacked and killed. Subsequently, through thorough investigative efforts, the individual who received the call was identified and arrested. He later confessed to his involvement in the crime.
The command, also said that one Emmanuel Odiase, a member of Black Axe was killed in Auchi by members of Eiye cult group.
It further disclosed that a 43-year-old man identified as Braimoh Fulani was killed in his provision shop at campus area in Auchi by members of Ayes cult group.
The assertion made was that the attackers arrived at his shop in an unregistered golden-colored Lexus 350 saloon car.
The law enforcement officials stated that, with the timely information from members of the public, police officers swiftly mobilized and pursued the suspects in cooperation with the local vigilante group, resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of their weapons.
It added that the suspects would be charged to court.
