In Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, the Edo State Police Command has detained seven suspects allegedly linked to cult-related killings in Auchi and its neighboring areas.
According to reports from NewsNow, this information was revealed by the command’s officials on their official X platform, previously known as Twitter.
The suspects, who are reported to be associated with the Black Axe and Eiye groups, were apprehended by the personnel from South-Ibie Division and Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit.
The arrests were made following a violent confrontation between the Aye (Black Axe group) and Eiye secret cult organizations on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at South-Ibie, Etsako West Local Government.
Authorities explained that during the incident, an individual named Umoru was ambushed and fatally shot by Eiye Cult members at Campus gate Auchi.
In response to the attack, law enforcement officers in the area swiftly intervened, leading to the apprehension of seven members of the Black Axe group.
As per the statement released, a young man affiliated with the Aye secret cult received a warning phone call from a fellow cult member planning to carry out an assault on Umoru, prompting him to leave the location. Umoru was subsequently targeted and killed. The individual who left the scene earlier was later arrested following a thorough investigation and confessed to his involvement.
Additionally, Emmanuel Odiase, a Black Axe member, was reportedly killed in Auchi by Eiye cult group members. Furthermore, Braimoh Fulani, a 43-year-old man, was attacked and murdered in his provision store in the campus area in Auchi by the Ayes cult group. The assailants arrived at his shop in an unregistered golden Lexus 350 saloon car.
Through prompt information provided by vigilant members of the public, the Police operatives swiftly pursued and apprehended the suspects in collaboration with the vigilante group. Weapons and ammunition were seized during the arrests.
The suspects are set to face legal charges, with recovered items including cartridges and various dangerous materials.