Davidson Ogbebor

Fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with a cult-related killing in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, during a major security operation carried out by the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.

The arrests followed the killing of a middle-aged man at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, where suspected cultists reportedly opened fire, causing panic among residents, commuters and business operators who fled for safety.

In response to the incident, 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, as well as locations in Igbira Camp, Warrake Road and Akpekpe, targeting suspected criminal hideouts.

Fourteen suspects were arrested at the hotel in Aviele following intelligence reports indicating that the killing was allegedly planned there. Investigators believe the suspects moved from the hotel to carry out the attack at the motor park.

Following the arrests, the hotel was sealed by the authorities. The security team subsequently moved to Igbira Camp to apprehend a prime suspect, identified as Anefi Kassim, but he was not found at his residence.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked Kassim to the Juris Confraternity. Another suspect, Idris Mustapha, who is also currently at large, was similarly implicated in the case. Authorities disclosed that both men are members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and have been directed to report to the Area Command in Auchi within 24 hours.

The squad also ordered the Auchi Sector Commander of the ESSC to produce both suspects for questioning and possible prosecution.

Speaking on the operation, a member and spokesperson of the security squad, Eribo Ewanta, said Governor Okpebholo had directed security agencies to restore peace in the area and ensure the arrest of all those involved in the killing.

“We have arrested several suspects connected to the incident, and they are providing useful information that will assist security agencies in tracking down other suspects, including the alleged mastermind of the attack,” Ewanta said.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to combating crime, stressing that criminal elements would no longer find Edo State a safe haven.

Ewanta explained that the parks at Jattu Junction were demolished because they allegedly continued to operate and collect revenue despite the state government’s ban on unauthorized revenue collection.

“The governor has prohibited illegal revenue collection across the state. Investigations revealed that such activities were still ongoing at the parks. The property will now be put to use for the benefit of the people through developmental projects,” he said.

At the residence of the prime suspect, Ewanta maintained that investigations indicated that the conflict leading to the killing originated from activities linked to Kassim.

“We are giving the ESSC Sector Commander in Auchi 24 hours to produce Anefi Kassim and Idris Mustapha, who are key suspects in this case. Failure to do so will result in them being declared wanted,” he added.

The investigation into the killing is ongoing, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the crime.