Police Command in Edo State has arrested three suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in ritual activities, with 20 mummified corpses discovered at the crime scene.
The ritual syndicate were busted at a shrine along the Asoro slope, Uzebu quarters, in Benin.
A statement issued by the command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Jennifer Iwegbu, Thursday, said the operatives swung into action following a tip-off from members of the public.
According to her, 15 males, 3 females and 2 children mummified corpses were discovered at the scene.
The statement reads, “Following credible information that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua Road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city, Operatives of the command immediately mobilised to the scene,” the statement read.
“At the scene, three 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.”
Reacting to the arrest, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses.
He equally called on the general public to be calm; assuring that the Police Command will continue to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens and those residing in the state.
