Picnews
The Edo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cult members in Otuo and recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State.
The Command also arrested suspects allegedly linked to the sexual violation and online circulation of material involving a young girl in the Ekiadolor area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the developments while briefing journalists on the operational achievements of the Command on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor.
Ikoedem said the arrests and recovery were recorded during sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and protecting lives and property across the state.
She also disclosed that the Command had completed a one-week joint clearance operation in parts of Edo North, focusing on criminal hideouts in forest areas.
According to her, the operation recorded positive results, with the affected communities remaining relatively calm and peaceful and no kidnapping incident reported during the period.
The police spokesperson said operatives of the Gender and Family Unit also recovered a six-month-old baby who was allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, while suspects connected to the incident were arrested.
She added that the baby had been reunited with the family.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Otuo Division arrested seven suspected cult members during an intelligence-driven operation aimed at tackling cult-related activities in the area.
The Command also apprehended suspects allegedly involved in stripping a young girl in the Ekiadolor axis and circulating the material on social media.
Ikoedem said the suspects remained in police custody as investigations continued, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
On another case involving sexual violence, she disclosed that a 37-year-old man was in police custody over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.
She said the case was undergoing thorough investigation and that the suspect would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police urged residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information, while advising parents and young people to stay away from cultism and other criminal associations.
He also warned members of the public against using social media to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others, stressing that sexual violence remained a criminal offence.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and taking decisive action against criminal activities across Edo State.
