From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 18 suspects in connection with various crimes in the state.
Parading the suspects, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adeboye, said they were arrested over alleged Kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and Illegal possession of firearms amongst others.
He described as worrisome, the high rate of cultism in the state and declared that whoever is found to be involved would be prosecuted no matter how highly place the person is in the society.
The Commissioner further warned that the police would not fold its hand and allow criminal elements to hold the state ransom, adding that the police has the backing of the state government.
Besides, he said Edo State would be no go area for cultists to operate and urged parents to warn their children to desist from cultism, as any body caught in the name of any group would be arrested and delt with according to the law.
The Commissioner admonished officers and men to imbibe the philosophy of democratic policing with the fear of God and love for the citizens at heart when performing their duties.
He listed the items recovered from the suspects to include one locally made single barrel and Pump-Action gun each, two locally made Cut-to-size pistols, one AK47 Rifle, six cartridges, one vehicle, police walkie talkie, Battle Axe, face mask, packet of Cigarette and Indian hemp, assuring that the suspects would be charged to court.