The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 25-year-old man, Prosper Ezekiel, during a suspected cult initiation ritual in the Warrake forest, near Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Joel, the deceased, along with two other individuals, Cosmos Ado (32) and Redeem Afeabor hailed from the Afeokpella community in Okpella, allegedly entered the forest last Saturday, August 2, for an initiation ceremony linked to the Black Axe cult group.
During the ritual, Ezekiel reportedly collapsed unexpectedly and was immediately rushed to a medical facility in Jattu, where he was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Auchi Division, swiftly moved in and apprehended one of the suspects, identified as Cosmos Ado. A visit to the scene by investigators led to the recovery of four expended cartr!dges, now held as evidence.
Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed security operatives to track down and arrest all other individuals involved in the illegal assembly and cult-related activities.
Reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance for cultism and its associated violence, CP Agbonika warned that all those found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“We continue to urge parents, guardians, community leaders, and religious institutions to work closely with the police in discouraging youths from engaging in such dangerous and criminal associations,” he said.
The incident has further raised concerns about the resurgence of cult activities in parts of Edo State, prompting renewed calls for community-based interventions to tackle youth involvement in secret cults.
