The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Umoru Ozigi, has disclosed that the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Thomas Ayodele, Rector, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area.
CP Ozigi made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
Recall that some members of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary were on Sunday attacked by gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction.
The development led to the kidnapping of the Rector of the Minor Seminary, Rev. Fr. Ayodele, who report said volunteered himself for others of his church members to be freed by his abductors
However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had on Tuesday, assured that the kidnappers would be brought to book.
Briefing journalists on the command’s achievements under his watch, CP Ozigi, said that following the incident, the command promptly rejiggered the security architecture in the area in synergy with the community through the deployment of a Unit of Police Mobile Force.
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He said ” Two suspects have been arrested in this regard, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the Revered Father and apprehend others”.
“On the issue of ongoing secret cult killings in Upper Sokponba Road and environs, the Commissioner of Police said that the robust security arrangements put in place by the command led to the arrest of a suspected cultist, one Suleman Abba, aged 22.
He said that an alleged operational vehicle (a Toyota Yaris Car) was recovered by the police while other members of the gang escaped arrest with their firearms, adding that investigations are ongoing.
“In the same vein, the command has reviewed the security situation of the cult-related killings that have claimed innocent lives in Upper Sokponba area of Benin City.
“We have made robust security arrangements through the deployment of intelligence operative to gather information.
“Tactical teams have been charged to commence aggressive stop and search, as well as vehicular and foot patrols to curb cult activities and ensure a crime-free “ember” months.
“These efforts have led to the arrest of a suspected cultist named Suleman Abba, aged 22 and the recovery of their operational vehicle, a Toyota Yaris car.
“Furthermore, on the 26th of October, 2024, at about 08:00 hrs, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping Unit on stop and search duty intercepted a motorcycle with two passengers along Benin/Auchi Bypass in Iguomo Community.
“The occupants, Nosakhare Umuwagbe ’34’ and Frank Abumere ’35’, fled on sighting the police.
“They were pursued and apprehended. Both confessed to being members of the Aiye cult group.
“A search conducted in their houses led to the recovery of two pump-action guns with twelve live cartridges”
Also, CP Ozigi revealed that the four suspects were arrested in connection with the robbing of one Daramola Gabriel (male) in South-Ibie, where valuables worth millions of Naira were reportedly stolen.
He gave the name of the suspects as Osakpolor Edobor ’20’, Oshoike Malik ’23’, Aliu Rabak ’27’ and Alor Ojo ’24’, all male, adding that one locally made cut-to-size gun and some of the stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
While assuring that all the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations, Ozigi, however, assured that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property in Edo.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE