One person was killed and 27 suspected cult members were arrested after police disrupted an initiation ceremony in Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Edo State Police Command said the operation took place at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, following credible intelligence that members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, also known as Black Axe, had gathered in the area for an initiation exercise.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, led a joint team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes and hunters to the location, which is about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma.
During the operation, one of the suspects allegedly opened fire on the security team. A gun battle ensued, and the suspect was fatally injured. The remaining suspects were overpowered, leading to the arrest of 27 individuals.
Police recovered several items from the scene, including a locally made shotgun, a live cartridge, a battle axe, a knife, two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers AUC 377 LU and RBC 867 JJ, and a Lexus RX jeep without a registration number. Officers also seized 51 mobile phones of various brands, 15 pairs of Timberland boots, and several sling bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation and prosecution. He praised the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism.
Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s determination to combat cultism and other criminal activities across Edo State and urged residents to continue providing timely and reliable information to security agencies.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over cult-related violence, following recent reports of similar arrests in neighbouring states.
