Edo police report arrests, baby recovery and operations against cultism

The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested seven suspected cult members and recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State. Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem announced the developments while briefing journalists on the command’s operational activities on behalf of Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor. She said the actions formed part of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activity and protecting lives and property.

According to Ikoedem, officers from the Gender and Family Unit recovered the baby and arrested suspects connected with the incident. She said the child had been reunited with the family. Operatives of the Otuo Division separately arrested seven alleged members of a notorious cult during an intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing cult-related activities in the area.

The command also detained suspects allegedly involved in stripping a young girl in the Ekiadolor area and circulating the material on social media. Ikoedem said investigations were continuing and that anyone found culpable would face the law. She further said a 37-year-old man was in custody over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.

The case, she said, was being investigated and the suspect would be prosecuted after the inquiry was concluded. The police spokesperson also reported the completion of a one-week joint clearance operation in parts of Edo North, including forest areas. She said the affected communities remained relatively calm, with no kidnapping incidents reported during the period.

Commissioner Daaor urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies. He also advised parents and young people to reject cultism and warned against using social media to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others.