The Edo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence with a coordinated house-to-house operation that led to the arrest of four self-confessed cultists in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
On 22nd June, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit, in collaboration with personnel from Jattu and Auchi Divisions, stormed various hideouts in the area following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cult groups terrorising residents.
During the operation, the following suspects were apprehended:
Musa Murphy, 25, of No. 35 Ogeneni Area, Jattu, Auchi — a member of the Arobaga Confraternity
Gabriel Moses, 25, of Ecocota Community, Auchi — a member of the Aye Confraternity
Michael Ayo, 23, of No. 1 Emeke Uzuire, Auchi — affiliated with the Eiye Confraternity
Philip Sunday, 24, of Ebira Camp, Auchi — a member of the Vikings Confraternity
Preliminary intelligence has linked the suspects to recent cult-related violence and clashes in Auchi and its environs.
Confirming the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to purging Edo State of cultism and other violent crimes. He assured residents of sustained security operations across identified black spots.
The CP further disclosed that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“This operation is part of our intensified effort to dismantle criminal cult groups and restore peace in Edo communities,” CP Agbonika stated.
