The Edo State Government has announced the arrest of two suspects linked to alleged ritual activities, organ harvesting and cult-related violence, alongside the demolition of properties in Uromi and Ewatto communities in Edo State’s Esan area.
The operation was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, known as Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, under the supervision of the governor’s Principal Security Officer.
Key Highlights
- Two suspects were reportedly arrested over alleged ritual activities and cult-related violence in Edo State.
- A bungalow and boys’ quarters in Uromi were demolished over alleged links to organ harvesting and ritual activities.
- A separate property in Ewatto was demolished over alleged use for cult-related activities.
- Security officials said three women were allegedly attacked, with one reportedly dying and two receiving medical treatment.
- The suspects are in the custody of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Edo Security Squad Arrests Suspected Organ Harvester in Uromi
According to security officials, a 40-year-old man identified as Ebhata Eromosele was arrested over alleged ritual activities and organ harvesting in Uwalor-Oke, Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
The government said a bungalow and boys’ quarters allegedly linked to the suspect’s activities were demolished during the operation.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the suspect’s arrest followed security surveillance and the discovery of what officials described as incriminating evidence.
Idemudia said a body found in the area had been traced to the bungalow allegedly used by the suspect. He added that a search of the premises reportedly uncovered a bloodstained bedspread and other items that investigators considered relevant to the case.
The allegations have not been established in court.
Security Officials Report Three Alleged Victims
The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd.), said the arrest followed more than a month of surveillance after reports of mutilated bodies discovered in the area.
Oyameda said security personnel intensified monitoring following the recovery of victims and other incidents that raised concerns about possible ritual-related crimes.
He alleged that Eromosele was linked to attacks on three women. According to the commander, one victim died, while two others received medical attention. One of the survivors was reportedly discharged, while the other was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and the alleged links to the suspect remain subject to police investigation.
Read also:
- Edo Special Security Squad Raids Criminal Hideouts, Arrests 12 Suspects, Warns Communities Against Cultism
- Edo Government Organises Cult Renunciation Ceremony for Repentant Cultists
- Edo Court Sentences Four Kidnappers to Death Over Benin Vegetable Market Abduction
Property Demolished in Ewatto Over Alleged Cult Activities
The security operation also targeted a property in Idi-Negbon Eguare, Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area, following reports of cult-related disturbances.
Idemudia alleged that a man identified as Bright Ejetuwamen was associated with the activities and that his property was being used for cult-related purposes.
The property was subsequently demolished as part of the state government’s crackdown on suspected criminal hideouts.
According to Idemudia, the operation was intended to disrupt criminal activities and deter the use of residential properties for violence and other offences.
Edo Government Vows to Intensify Security Operations
Idemudia said the state government would continue efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed security agencies to take action against properties allegedly used to facilitate crime.
The security coordinator added that the government intended to sustain operations aimed at improving public safety across the state.
However, any criminal liability arising from the allegations against the arrested suspects will need to be established through the legal process.
Suspects in Police Custody
The two suspects have reportedly been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities did not provide details of formal charges, court proceedings or the legal basis for the demolitions.
The case is expected to proceed through the relevant investigative and judicial processes.
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