•••ARRESTS THREE CULTISTS
The police in Edo State have killed a kidnapper and rescued a victim, One Austine Adoghe.
The police operatives also arrested three suspected members of a cult group in different operations.
The State Command Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, said in a statement on Thursday that the police made the arrest in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes in the state.
She explained that the three cultists who confessed to be members of Eiye Confraternity were arrested while attacking two men who were rescued.
The statement reads: “Following a kidnapping incident by some unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on 23/08/2022 along the Uluoke axis in Edo North, operatives of the Command swung into action, mobilized in collaboration with vigilantees and hunters, and embarked on rigorous bush combing for possible rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspects.
“This, however, yielded results midnight on Wednesday when the suspected kidnappers were trailed to their hideout.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on them which led to a gun duel. The superior firepower of the Operatives made the hoodlums abandon their victim and escaped into the forest with various degrees of gunshot injuries, while one of them was neutralized in the process.
“The victim, One Austine Adoghe ‘M’ was rescued unhurt and has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
“Meanwhile, the bush combing exercise is still ongoing for the possible arrest of the other fleeing members of the gang. Items recovered are a locally made cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges.
“On 24/08/2022 at about 20:15hrs while Operatives of the Command were on routine patrol along Four junction Evbuotubu, they intercepted six men who were attacking two persons.
“On sighting the Operatives, the assailants took to their heels but three were apprehended while others escaped.
“Those arrested were Friday Ediare ‘M’ 43years, Odion Otoghile ‘M’ 37 years and Otamere Oghogbe ‘M’ 38 years.
“The trio confessed to being members of the dreaded Eiye confraternity who are out looking for members to initiate into their dreaded cult group.
Investigation is ongoing with the aim to arrest other members.
“The victims, Paul Udoh ‘M’ 28 years and David Udeme ‘M’ 26 years, were profiled and have since been united with their respective families,” the statement read.