BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government (EDSG) has given three community youth leaders, known as Okiagheles, a seven-day ultimatum to report to the Special Security Squad, “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in the wake of a recent surge in cult-related violence across the state.

Innocent Okunozee, Okiaghele of Obazagbon Community and a suspected member of the Black Axe Confraternity, is already in custody.

Those expected to turn themselves in include the Okiagheles of Obagie, Ofumwengbe, and Ara communities.

The ultimatum follows a series of targeted raids in Benin City by the Special Security Squad, led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Edo State Governor, which resulted in the arrest of suspected cult members in Amagba and Obagie communities. Five others linked to the killings remain at large and have been officially declared wanted by the government.

“The squad has made significant progress in its mandate to rid the state of crime, killings, and other social vices,” said Eribo Enwanta, spokesperson for the Special Security Squad. “Preliminary investigations linked the arrested Okiagheles and five others to recent cult killings in the state.”

The raid at Amagba GRA led to the arrest of two suspected Black Axe members, Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito. Weapons and live ammunition were also recovered from a vehicle connected to Okunozee, which was driven by his cousin, Godspower Obayuwana.

The government has called on citizens with information about the suspects to cooperate with security agencies.
“The arm of the law will find these fleeing suspects, no matter where they run,” Enwanta warned.

Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Mr John Eshekiagbe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a cult-free Edo State, promising further arrests and prosecutions as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, one of the arrested suspects, Osaze Omoruyi, admitted to being an internet fraudster and a member of Black Axe since 2012 but denied involvement in the recent killings. Authorities also recovered a Lexus jeep, firearms, live ammunition, and photographs during the ongoing investigations.