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 of Edo
State.
The arrests followed a
coordinated security operation launched after suspected cultists allegedly shot
and killed a man at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, triggering panic among
residents, commuters, and business owners in the area.
According to a statement
issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Patrick
Ebojele, the operation was led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal
Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with other security
agencies.
The raid, which lasted from
Wednesday to Friday, targeted criminal hideouts across Edo North Senatorial
District and resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects. Authorities disclosed that
two additional suspects, who are members of the Edo State Security Corps,
remain at large.
As part of the operation,
security personnel demolished Abiodun Motor Park and a park operated by the
Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers at Jattu Junction.
The security team also
carried out a raid on Triple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where several suspects
were apprehended. Other locations searched included Igbira Camp, Warrake Road,
Akpekpe, and other identified criminal hideouts within the district.
Investigators believe the
killing was planned at the hotel before the suspects moved to Jattu Motor Park
to execute the attack. Following the operation, the hotel was sealed by
authorities.
Acting on intelligence
reports, security operatives later proceeded to Igbira Camp in search of the
alleged prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, but he was not found.
According to preliminary
investigations, Kassim is believed to be a member of the Juris Confraternity,
while another wanted suspect, Idris Mustapha, is reportedly affiliated with the
Edo State Security Corps. Both men have been ordered to report to the Area
Command in Auchi within 24 hours.
The security squad also
directed the Auchi Sector Commander of the ESSC to produce the two suspects for
questioning and possible prosecution.
Speaking on the development,
the spokesperson for the security squad, Eribo Ewanta, said the operation was
carried out on the directive of Governor Okpebholo to restore peace and bring
those responsible for the killing to justice.
“We have arrested 14
suspects connected to the killing, and they are already providing useful
information that will assist security agencies in apprehending other suspects
still at large, including the mastermind of the crime,” Ewanta said.
He reiterated the state
government's commitment to combating criminal activities, warning that
offenders would no longer find safe havens in Edo State.
Ewanta also explained that
the demolished parks at Jattu Junction were operating in violation of the state
government's ban on unauthorised revenue collection.
“The governor has prohibited
illegal revenue collection across the state, yet activities continued at these
parks. The sites will now be redeveloped for the benefit of Edo residents,” he
stated.
He added that investigations
indicate that the killing originated from activities linked to the wanted
suspect, Anefi Kassim.
“We are giving the Auchi
Sector Commander of the ESSC 24 hours to produce Anefi Kassim and Idris
Mustapha. If they fail to appear, they will be declared wanted,” Ewanta warned.
Authorities say
investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down the remaining
suspects connected to the killing.
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