The Edo State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 95 suspected cultists and recovered dangerous arms and ammunition during a week-long crackdown on cult activities in the state capital and neighbouring communities.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the development in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin, said the suspects belong to the dreaded Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which have been fingered in the spate of cult-related killings in the state.

Yamu disclosed that 64 out of the 95 suspects arrested have been arraigned and remanded, while investigation is ongoing to establish the level of involvement of the remaining suspects.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended during sustained intelligence-driven raids carried out across identified cult enclaves in Benin City and its environs over the past week.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally-made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, while commenting on the development, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and wards to dissuade them from joining unlawful associations.

He also warned youths in the state to steer clear of cultism, stressing that the practice not only endangers their future but could also lead to avoidable loss of lives, including those of innocent citizens.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of all residents.