Photo: The ritualist den with 20 mummified bodies
The Police Command in Edo has uncovered a ritualist den with 20 mummified corpses in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement said in a statement that the ritualist den was uncovered along Asoro slope, off Ekenhuan road, in Uzebu quarters.
According to Iwegbu, operatives of the command stormed the scene following credible intelligence which they had received.
She added that suspects were arrested while others fled.
A video from the scene, that is making the rounds online shows mummified bodies stacked on an iron rack and others standing against the wall of a room.
The statement reads: “In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud, operatives of the Edo State Police Command 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, fdc, 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.
“He 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.”
