Rita Enemuru, Reporting
AUCHI, EDO STATE — The Edo State Security Squad, operating under the codename “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the cult-related killing that sent shockwaves through Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area earlier this week.
The arrest follows a brazen attack at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, on Monday, where suspected cultists shot and killed a middle-aged man, triggering panic among residents, commuters and business owners who fled for their lives.
In response to the killing, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo led a combined team of security agencies on a targeted raid of criminal hideouts across Edo North Senatorial Districts.
The operation began with the demolition of both Abiodun Motors Park and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) park at Jattu Junction, which authorities say were operating illegally.
The security squad also raided Tripple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where intelligence reports had indicated that the killing was planned. Acting on this information, operatives swooped on the premises and arrested 14 suspects believed to be connected to the murder.
According to security sources, the suspects had allegedly gathered at the hotel before moving to the Jattu motor park to carry out the deadly attack. Following the arrests, the hotel was immediately sealed off.
The operation extended to Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe and other areas, as the squad systematically raided hideouts used by criminal elements disturbing the peace of Edo North Senatorial Districts.
Speaking to journalists, squad spokesperson Eribo Ewanta confirmed that the manhunt is now focused on two prime suspects who remain at large.
“Our intelligence indicates that the prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, a member of Juris Confraternity (ESSC), resides at Igbira Camp. When we arrived at his residence to effect his arrest, he was not present,” Mr Ewanta stated.
He added that another suspect, Idris Mustapha, also a member of ESSC, is similarly on the run. Both men have been given 24 hours to report to the Area Command in Auchi.
“The Auchi Sector Commander of ESSC, under whose command these individuals operate, has been ordered to produce both suspects to face justice.
Failure to comply will result in them being declared wanted,” Mr Ewanta warned.
The squad spokesperson emphasised that Governor Okpebholo had given the team a marching order to restore peace following Monday’s killing.
“We are here today and have arrested some suspects connected to the killing. They are currently helping security agencies with useful information that will facilitate further arrests, including the mastermind of this heinous act,” he said.
Mr Ewanta reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, stating: “Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will not allow any form of criminality in Edo State. Criminals will no longer be safe operating in the State.”
Addressing the demolition of the motor parks, he explained that the action was necessitated by the continued illegal revenue collection at the facilities, despite a statewide ban imposed by the Okpebholo administration.
“The parks at Jattu Junction where the young man was killed have been demolished because they were operating and collecting revenue which has been banned. The Governor has banned unauthorised revenue collection across the State, yet at this park in Jattu, they were still engaged in illegal revenue collection,” Mr Ewanta said.
He assured residents that the property would be repurposed for the benefit of the Edo people, adding: “The Governor will bring development here.”
The security operation continues as authorities work to dismantle criminal networks operating in the senatorial district.
