The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the recent kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, made this known on Wednesday during the parade of seven suspects apprehended for various crimes across the state.
Efforts to Rescue Rev. Fr. Oyode
Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted last Saturday evening. Commissioner Ozigi stated:
“The Command has responded to the unfortunate kidnapping incident by enhancing the security framework in the area, in collaboration with the community. A unit of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) has been deployed to aid the rescue efforts.”
He confirmed the arrest of two suspects and assured the public that efforts to rescue the cleric and apprehend other culprits remain ongoing.
Crackdown on Cult-Related Violence
The police also addressed recent cult-related killings in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City. Commissioner Ozigi revealed intensified measures, including intelligence gathering, stop-and-search operations, and patrols, aimed at curbing cult activities during the “ember” months.
He noted the arrest of a suspected cultist, Suleman Abba, aged 22, and the recovery of a Toyota Yaris vehicle linked to the gang’s operations. However, other members of the group escaped with firearms, and investigations are underway.
State Task Force on Anti-Cultism Issues Stern Warning
The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has warned cult groups to leave the state or face the full force of the law. Addressing journalists in Benin City, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, condemned the recent killings by suspected cultists.
Nehikhare disclosed that violent clashes between the Eiye and Vikings confraternities on Sunday, October 27, had led to arrests, with further efforts to apprehend key actors and fleeing suspects.
“The Task Force is committed to ensuring there is no breathing space for cultists in Edo State,” he emphasised.
Escalating Cult Violence
Reports indicate that on Wednesday, a suspected cult member was killed near Third Junction in Benin City. Intelligence also suggests that one of the rival cult groups has called for reinforcements from members in neighboring Delta State.
The security agencies and the Task Force have pledged to continue aggressive interventions to restore peace and protect lives across Edo State.
