The Edo State Special Security Squad and sister security agencies have arrested four suspected cultists in a raid on their hideout at Egbaen Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Saturday Okoh, leading other security agencies, stormed the hideout at about 6am to apprehend the suspects, and dangerous weapons were recovered from them.

The weapons found with the suspects included four locally made pistols, a cut-to-size gun, one Beretta pistol and one machete. Despite the evidence found in their hideout, they all denied ownership but confessed to being members of Aiye Confraternity.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the coordinator of the squad, Noah Idemudia, commended the public for the provision of useful information that has helped the squad record various successes in its operations.

He appealed for more useful information, as the squad needs it to continue to achieve success in all its operations.

“In the early hours of Sunday, we got an intelligence report that some members of the Black Axe group wanted to carry out initiation at Egbaen Community, which might lead to other disastrous activities that could cause a breakdown of law and order.

“We responded in the early hours of this morning and moved to the community, and our operation was successful, as we were able to apprehend four suspects and recover dangerous weapons.

“We thank the general public and urge them to keep the information coming, as it has been of great help to the squad in recording several successes on various occasions. We will do our best and ensure Edo State is safe for citizens.”