The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm after disrupting a suspected cult gathering in the Ohonre Community area of Benin City.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.

According to Ikoedem, the suspects were arrested on May 21, 2026, following a distress report about the movement and gathering of suspected cult members within the community located off Adolor College Road.

She identified the suspects as Victor Peter, 21, and Iyemoma Ogbewe, 35.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 1900hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.”

She stated that the suspects attempted to flee after sighting the police operatives but were apprehended after a chase.

The PPRO further disclosed that a cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects during a search.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilised to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest.

“The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes,” the statement noted.

Ikoedem noted that the suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of the Maphite cult group, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members,” the statement added.

She added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their swift response and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.

“He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention,” the statement concluded.

PUNCH Metro reported on May 12 that the Edo Special Security Squad arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation, following the killing of a student at the University of Benin gate on Sunday.

The raids were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer for Governor Monday Okpebholo and carried out in hotspots including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters. (PUNCH)

Update news