Cross section of suspected criminals paraded by Police in Edo on February 1, 2019. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
BENIN CITY – The Commissioner of Police in Edo State CP Hakeem Odumosu has vowed to lunch a massive clampdown on patrons of various cult groups operating in Edo State.

CP Hakeem made the pledge yesterday while parading 88 suspected criminals, 54 of whom were arrested in connection with the ongoing cult-related killings in the state.

The CP identified six of the suspects as those apprehended in connection with the gruesome murder of a policeman Sgt Osio Monday Ehigie at Nomayo junction along Upper Sonkponba road, Benin City, on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

However, the six suspects who spoke with journalists shortly after the CP briefing denied involvement in cultism and the killing of the policeman as they were arrested at various locations in the area.

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He also promised to commence serial raids of bars that operate till 2a.m as Intelligence had identified them as spots for criminals.

The six suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a policeman Sgt Osio Monday Ehigie in Benin City recently. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

CP Hakeem Odumosu while assuring that he was in Edo State to ensure peace for all law-abiding residents and visitors, he remarked that “without peace in the state my salary is not justified”.

The police chief gave details of other arrests as; robbery 15, murder 11 and stealing three, while 10 guns including one AK-47 rifle, 2 battle axes and 6 vehicles were recovered.

He disclosed that 20 kidnap victims were rescued and N200, 800 cash recovered from the suspects.