The Edo State Government has expressed shock over the arrest of some officials of the state government for their alleged involvement in cult-related killings in Benin, the state capital.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, made this known in a statement on Thursday.
No fewer than 56 suspects had been reportedly arrested by the Special Crack Squad set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, following recent cult-related deaths in the state capital.
Eleven of the suspects were said to be highly placed in the state.
At least, 10 persons had been reportedly killed in reprisals among cult groups in the state.
Odion, who said the state government would not want to “jump to conclusion” over the issue, however noted that their alleged complicity negated the values of the state governor in his fight against cultism in Edo.
He, however, assured the people that the rule of law would take its course if the officials were found guilty.
The statement read, “The reports came as a big shock to us. While it is inappropriate to jump to conclusion until police investigations were concluded, let me put it on record that cultism, in whatever form, negates the values Comrade Adams Oshiomhole holds dear.
“This is easily verifiable from his zero tolerance of thuggrey and any form of political violence over the years. If found guilty, be rest assured that the Comrade Governor will ensure the rule of law prevails against officials involved.
“We encourage members of the public to cooperate with the police to root out cultism from our neighbourhood and communities.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has said investigation had commenced into the matter.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Stephen Onwochei, told our correspondent on telephone on Thursday that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation.
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