Operatives of Edo State Special Security Squad codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists in collaboration with Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies, have arrested a cultist, a ritualist and an organ harvester in Esan Central Senatorial District.
The arrests were made at Uromi, Esan North East and Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
A bungalow and boys’ quarters belonging to a 40-year-old man identified as Ebhata Eromosele and allegedly used for organ harvesting and ritual activities were completely demolished during the operation.
The building located at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi was alleged to have been used for ritual activities where Eromosele harvested the organs of three young ladies, out of which one of the victims, a pregnant young woman, died in the process.
One woman who was hospitalised has been discharged while another is said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Esan Central Senatorial District.
Another building located at Idi-Negbon Eguare Ewatto used for cult-related activities was also not spared as it was pulled down by bulldozers to serve as a deterrent to other criminals in the state.
Speaking to journalists after a successful operation in Uromi and Ewatto, the coordinator of Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Amiolemen Idemudia, said criminals will be wiped out of Edo State.
He alleged that Ebhata Eromosele engaged in ritual activities before nemesis caught up with him and has been arrested and his building demolished in Uromi.
“A lifeless body killed and dumped was traced by Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect.
“A search of this residence exposed the suspect as security operatives saw bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence indicating that Ebhata is into ritual activities and organ harvesting,” Idemudia further alleged.
He said the governor has warned that his administration will not tolerate crime of this nature and will make the state unsafe for criminal elements, adding, “The government will not rest until the state is safe for all”.
On the cult issue, Idemudia said there were cult fracas in Ewatto disturbing the peace of the community.
He alleged that one Bright Ejetuwamen was at the forefront of the fight using his properties at Ewatto for cult-related activities, disclosing that the property has been demolished.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or properties used to perpetrate crime as it will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State,” he said.
The Zonal Commander, Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (retd), said the success recorded in the arrest of the ritual suspect was as a result of over a month’s surveillance.
“The body of a lady mutilated and dumped in a drainage was recovered while still alive. Less than two weeks later, another body was recovered again and these incidents led to stepping up surveillance around the area and the surveillance paid off.
“Ebhata Eromosele murdered a lady and dumped the body but my men on surveillance saw him and trailed him to this apartment which has been demolished today,” Oyameda said.
He stated that the suspect has carried out three ritual attacks and one of his victims died, one hospitalised while the other discharged from the hospital.
The Zonal Commander said upon searching the compound, bloodstained bedspread was seen and other incriminating evidence indicating that the suspect has engaged in criminal activities.
He disclosed that the suspected ritualist and cultist have both been arrested and are in the custody of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
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