The Edo State Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists” has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the cult related killing in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
Tension was heightened at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction as residents, commuters and business owners ran for their lives as suspected cultists shot and killed a middle-aged man.
Following the killing, the Chief Security Officer and the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo led other security agencies to raid criminal hideout in Edo North Senatorial District.
At Jattu Junction, the team demolished Abiodun Motor Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Park at Jattu Junction.
The squad also raided Tripple J &J Hotel Aviele where suspects were arrested.
The presence of the team was also felt at Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe and other areas considered as hideouts for criminal elements disturbing the peace of Edo North Senatorial Districts.
Fourteen suspects were arrested at the said hotel in Aviele, following intelligence reports that the killing of the young man was planned at the hotel and the suspects moved from the hotel to carry out the dastardly act at the Jattu Motor Park.
After the arrest, the hotel was sealed and the squad acting on intelligent report, moved to Igbira Camp where the prime suspects, Anefi Kassim lived to arrest him but met his absence.
According to investigation, the said Kassim is a member of Juris Confraternity, while Idris Mustapha, who is also at large is a member of the same cult group,
The security squad thereafter, issued a 24- hour ultimatum for the fleeing suspects to report at the police area command in Auchi.
Speaking on the arrest, the spokesperson of the squad, Eribo Ewanta, said following the Monday killing, Governor Okpebholo gave the team matching orders to restore peace and arrest those behind the act.
“We are here today and have arrested some suspects connected to the killing and they are helping security agencies with useful information that will help in further arrest of all others at large including the masterminder of the killing.
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“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will not allow any form of criminality in Edo State as criminals will no longer be safe operating in the state.
“The parks at Jettu Junction where the young man was killed has been demolished because they are operating and collecting revenue which has been banned by the Okpebholo led administration.
“The governor has banned unauthorized revenue collection across the state but in this park in Jattu, they are still engaged in illegal revenue collection. The property will be utilized for the benefits of Edo people as the governor will bring development here,” Ewanta explained.
