Edo Cracks Down on Cult Violence, Arrests 14 Suspects, Seals Hotel, Demolishes Illegal Motor Parks

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the recent cult-related killing of a middle-aged man in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, as authorities intensified a crackdown on criminal networks in the state.

The arrests followed a coordinated security operation conducted between Wednesday and Friday across several locations in Edo North Senatorial District after a deadly shooting at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, triggered panic among residents, commuters and business owners.

The operation was led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with other security agencies.

In addition to the arrests, security operatives demolished Abiodun Motor Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) park at Jattu Junction, where the killing occurred, citing alleged illegal operations and unauthorised revenue collection.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, operatives also raided Triple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where several suspects were arrested.

The statement said intelligence reports indicated that the attack was allegedly planned at the hotel before the assailants moved to Jattu Motor Park to carry out the killing. Following the raid, the hotel was sealed by the authorities.

Security personnel also searched suspected criminal hideouts in Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe and other parts of Edo North in an effort to dismantle cult groups linked to violent crimes in the area.

During the operation, officers stormed Igbira Camp in search of the prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, who was, however, not found.

Investigators identified Kassim as an alleged member of the Juris Confraternity, while another suspect, Idris Mustapha, who also remains at large, is said to be a member of the ESSC. Authorities disclosed that both men have been given 24 hours to report to the Area Command in Auchi.

The squad also directed the Auchi Sector Commander of the ESSC, under whose command the suspects reportedly served, to produce the two men for questioning or risk further action.

Speaking on the operation, the squad's spokesperson, Eribo Ewanta, said Governor Monday Okpebholo had ordered security agencies to restore peace and ensure everyone connected with the killing is brought to justice.

"We have arrested 14 suspects connected to the killing, and they are providing useful information that will aid the arrest of other suspects still at large, including the alleged mastermind," Ewanta said.

He reiterated the state government's commitment to tackling violent crime, stressing that criminal elements would no longer find Edo a safe haven.

Ewanta also defended the demolition of the motor parks, alleging that operators continued to collect revenue despite the state government's ban on unauthorised collections.

"The governor has outlawed illegal revenue collection across Edo State, but activities continued at the parks in Jattu. The property will now be redeveloped for the benefit of the people," he said.

He added that preliminary investigations identified Kassim as a central figure in the attack and warned that both Kassim and Mustapha would be declared wanted if they failed to surrender within the stipulated period.