Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested 14 suspects in connection with a cult-related killing in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, following a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts across Edo North Senatorial District. The operation, which lasted from Wednesday to Friday, was led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside other security agencies, according to a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The raid was triggered by a killing at Abiodun Motor Park, Jattu Junction, in Auchi last week, where suspected cultists shot and killed a middle-aged man, causing panic among residents, commuters and business owners. Following the incident, security operatives intensified their search for the perpetrators, conducting raids at multiple locations including Igbira Camp, Warrake Road, Akpekpe, and other identified hideouts.
During the operation, the squad raided Triple J & J Hotel in Aviele, where 14 suspects were arrested after intelligence reports revealed that the killing was allegedly planned at the hotel. According to investigators, the suspects moved from the hotel to Jattu Motor Park to carry out the attack. Following the arrests, the hotel was sealed by authorities.
At Jattu Junction, the security team demolished Abiodun Motors Park and the park belonging to the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The squad spokesperson, Eribo Ewanta, explained that the parks were demolished because they were engaging in unauthorised revenue collection, which had been banned by the Okpebholo administration. “The governor has banned unauthorised revenue collection across the state, but in this park in Jattu, they are still engaged in illegal revenue collection. The property will be utilised for the benefit of Edo people as the governor will bring development here,” Ewanta said.
The security team also moved to Igbira Camp to arrest the prime suspect, Anefi Kassim, but he was not found at his residence. Investigations revealed that Kassim is a member of the Juris Confraternity, while Idris Mustapha, who is also at large, is a member of the ESSC. Both suspects have been given 24 hours to report at the Area Command in Auchi. The squad has ordered the ESSC Sector Commander in Auchi to produce the two suspects to face justice, warning that failure to do so would result in them being declared wanted.
Speaking on the arrests, Ewanta said Governor Okpebholo gave the team a marching order to restore peace and arrest those behind the killing. “We have arrested 14 suspects connected to the killing and they are helping security agencies with useful information that will help in the arrest of all others at large, including the mastermind of the killing. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will not allow any form of criminality in Edo State as criminals will no longer be safe operating in the state,” he said. He also confirmed that investigations revealed the dispute leading to the killing originated from Anefi Kassim.
The security operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Edo State Government to curb cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state. The suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while the manhunt for the two fugitives continues.
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