The command’s spokesperson, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, in a statement on Wednesday, August 17, said the suspected ritualist den was uncovered along Asoro slope, off Ekenhuan road, in Uzebu quarters.
According to Iwegbu, operatives of the command stormed the scene following credible intelligence received. Three suspects were arrested while others fled.
The statement read,
“In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud, Operatives of the Edo State Police Command 17/08/2022 unravelled a suspected ritual shrine. Following credible information at the Command’s disposal that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters,Benin city. Operatives of the command immediately swung into action and mobilized to the scene.
“At the scene, 3 suspects, Chimaobi Okoewu ‘M’ and Oko Samuel ‘M’ both of Afikpo in Ebonyi and Gideon Sunday ‘M’ of Akwa-Ibom State were arrested while others fled. An intensive effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects. 15 mummified male corpses, 3 mummified female corpses and 2 mummified children corpses were discovered at the scene
“To this end, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of state CID to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses and therefore enjoins the general public to be calm as the command will continue to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens and those residing in Edo state.”
A video, said to be from the scene, making the rounds online shows mummified bodies stacked on an iron rack and others standing against the wall of a room.
Watch video below,
