At least four suspects linked to deadly cult clashes in Auchi, Edo State, have been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force. The arrests follow a joint operation by the Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with officers from Jattu and Auchi Divisions, after cult-related violence reportedly led to the deaths of two individuals.
The police acted on intelligence that identified the suspects as active members of various cult groups operating in the area. According to a statement released Tuesday by command spokesperson Moses Yamu, the operation targeted house-to-house arrests across different parts of Auchi.
The arrested suspects include 25-year-old Musa Murphy of Ogeneni area in Jattu, identified as a member of the Arobaga Confraternity; Gabriel Moses, also 25, from Ecocota-Community and a known member of Aye Confraternity; 23-year-old Michael Ayo of Emeke Uzuire, linked to the Eiye Confraternity; and 24-year-old Philip Sunday of Ebira camp, believed to belong to the Vikings Confraternity.
Yamu confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will face charges once the process is complete. Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, assured the public of the command’s continued efforts to eliminate cultism from the state and restore peace to affected communities.
