Edo declares 3 youth leaders wanted over killings

The Edo State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to three community youth leaders, popularly known as Okiagheles, to appear before the State Special Security Squad over their alleged links to the resurgence of cult-related killings in Benin City.

This was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Ebojele, the spokesperson to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

According to the statement, in response to recent killings in parts of Benin, the Squad conducted a series of raids.

These operations led to the arrest of suspected cultists in the Amagba community (Oredo LGA) and the Obagie community (Ikpoba-Okha LGA).

The statement confirmed that the Okiaghele of the Obazagbon community, Innocent Okunozee—alleged to be a member of the Black Axe Confraternity—is currently in custody.

Ebojele quoted the Squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, stating that Okunozee’s arrest followed the recovery of weapons and live ammunition from a Toyota Highlander.

The vehicle was allegedly driven by the community’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Godspower Obayuwana, who is reportedly the youth leader’s cousin.

The government has explicitly directed the Okiagheles of the Obagie, Ofumwengbe, and Ara communities to report to the Squad within seven days.

“Those directed to report to the Squad include the Okiagheles of Obagie, Ofumwengbe, and Ara communities to clear themselves of any connection to recent cult killings in the State,” the statement concluded.

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