Benin City – The Edo State Security Squad, operating under the code name “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” has arrested 14 suspects in connection with a recent cult-related killing in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The arrests followed the fatal shooting of a middle-aged man at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, an incident that caused panic among residents, commuters, and business owners in the area.
In response to the killing, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside other security agencies, launched coordinated raids on suspected criminal hideouts across Edo North Senatorial District.
During the operation, security personnel demolished Abiodun Motor Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) park at Jattu Junction. The squad also raided Triple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where 14 suspects were arrested.
According to intelligence reports, the killing was allegedly planned at the hotel, with the suspects moving from the premises to carry out the attack at the motor park.
Following the arrests, the hotel was sealed by authorities. The security team subsequently moved to Igbira Camp on Warrake Road, Akpekpe, and other identified hideouts in a bid to apprehend additional suspects linked to criminal activities in the area.
Security operatives also visited the residence of a prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, believed to be a member of the Juris Confraternity and an officer of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), but he was not found at home.
Investigations further identified another suspect, Idris Mustapha, also an ESSC officer, as being connected to the incident. Both men are currently at large.
The squad has given the ESSC Sector Commander in Auchi 24 hours to produce the two suspects for questioning, warning that they will be declared wanted if they fail to report to the Area Command in Auchi within the stipulated period.
Speaking on the operation, squad spokesperson Eribo Ewanta said Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed security agencies to restore peace and ensure all those responsible for the killing were brought to justice.
“We have arrested suspects connected to the incident, and they are providing useful information that will aid further arrests, including the mastermind of the attack,” Ewanta said.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to tackling crime across the state.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration will not tolerate criminality in Edo State. Criminals will no longer find the state a safe haven for their activities,” he added.
Ewanta also explained that the parks at Jattu Junction were demolished because they continued to engage in revenue collection activities prohibited by the state government.
“The governor has banned unauthorized revenue collection across the state, yet illegal collections were still taking place at these parks. The property will now be utilized for developmental purposes that will benefit the people of Edo State,” he said.
On the role of the prime suspect, Ewanta stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the dispute leading to the killing originated from Anefi Kassim.
“We are giving the ESSC Sector Commander in Auchi 24 hours to produce Anefi Kassim and Idris Mustapha, who are key suspects in the killing. Failure to do so will result in them being declared wanted,” he said.
The security operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Edo State Government to curb cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.