POLICE UNCOVER 20 MUMMIFIED BODIES IN RITUALISTS’ SHRINE IN EDO STATE

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday discovered a ritualists’ shrine with 20 mummified bodies inside their cove.

About 15 bodies of males, three females, and two children were found in the shrine.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Jennifer Iwegbu, an Assistant Superintendent, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, adding that the police working with incredible intelligence stormed the criminal hideouts.

According to her, the police carried out the raid immediately after receiving intelligence that some corpses were discovered at a building off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters, Benin City.

Iwegbu said that three suspects were arrested at the scene of the crime while others fled.

“In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud, Operatives of the Edo State Police Command today 17/08/2022 unravelled a suspected ritual shrine.

“Following credible information at the Command’s disposal that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city. Operatives of the command immediately swung into action and mobilized to the scene.

“At the scene, 3 suspects, Chimaobi Okoewu ‘M’ and Oko Samuel ‘M’ both of Afikpo in Ebonyi and Gideon Sunday ‘M’ of Akwa-Ibom State were arrested while others fled. An intensive effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects.

“15 mummified male corpses, 3 mummified female corpses, and 2 mummified children corpses were discovered at the scene.

“To this end, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of state CID to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses and therefore enjoins the general public to be calm as the command will continue to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens and those residing in Edo state.” The statement reads.