27 suspected cultists arrested during initiation

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have neutralised one suspected cultist and arrested 17 others during an initiation ceremony of the Black Axe Confraternity in Urohi village in Esan West LGA. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said one of the suspects was killed during an exchange of fire with the police while the […]

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have neutralised one suspected cultist and arrested 17 others during an initiation ceremony of the Black Axe Confraternity in Urohi village in Esan West LGA.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said one of the suspects was killed during an exchange of fire with the police while the 27 others were arrested on December 13, at about 10pm.
She said the police, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, stormed the initiation ground during the operation, adding that on sighting the police, the suspects opened fire on them following which a gun duel ensued.
She said one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife, three vehicles, 51 cell phones, 15 pairs of Timberland boots and bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from them.