Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm following the disruption of a suspected cult gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road in Benin City.
According to the Command, the operation was carried out on May 21, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m. after officers attached to the Ugbowo Division, who were on surveillance patrol, received a distress report about the movement and gathering of suspected cult members within the community.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikedem, said the operatives swiftly mobilised to the location in response to the report. Upon sighting the police team, the suspects reportedly fled in an attempt to evade arrest.
“The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter, 21, and Iyemoma Ogbewe, 35,” Ikedem stated.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a cut-to-size firearm believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Police said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to denying criminal elements any operating space within the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“The Edo State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements. We encourage members of the public to continue supporting the police with useful information, as all reports will receive prompt attention,” the commissioner said. #Securitynewsalert.com
