By: Idehen Famous.

BENIN CITY- The Edo State Police Command has dealt a major blow to cult-related violence in Benin City with the arrest of four suspected members of the Neo Black Movement Confraternity, popularly known as the Black Axe, following the disruption of a forceful initiation exercise.

Operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a forest in Utese Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, where the suspects were allegedly initiating victims against their will.

The operation, carried out on Friday, December 13, 2024, led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of firearms and other dangerous weapons.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said items recovered from the suspects include one locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses allegedly used during the initiation, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum believed to have been consumed during the exercise.

Those arrested were identified as Harry Otagbe also known as Sniper; Christopher, alias Python; Edwin Otomagie, popularly called Lucifer; and Osaro.

According to the police, the suspects confessed to being long-standing members of the Black Axe cult group and admitted to participating in the forceful initiation of victims.

They also claimed to have been members of the group for about 20 years, the police said.

In a startling revelation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the recent killings of rival cult members behind Lydia’s Girls College, Benin City.

They also reportedly mentioned the names of other alleged members, including Igbineweka, and Johnson Osamuyi Omoregie.

The police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of inquiries.

CSP Yamu added that the named individuals would be invited for questioning as part of efforts to dismantle the cult network.

Reaffirming the command’s resolve, CSP Yamu said the police would not relent in their crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes, especially in this yuletide season.

He called on residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities, assuring that the police are committed to ridding Edo State of unrepentant criminals.

Meanwhile, a member of an anti-cult group who pleaded anonymity, warned that cultism often ends in tragedy, noting that members who attempt to renounce their involvement are frequently hunted down and killed by former associates.

He urged youths to shun cult groups for their own safety, warning that “he who lives by the gun often dies by the gun.”