A deadly police raid in Edo State has resulted in the death of one suspected cultist and the arrest of 27 others following a secret initiation ceremony in Urohi Village, located in the Esan West Local Government Area. 

The raid took place on the night of Saturday, December 13, 2025, after the Edo State Police received credible intelligence that members of the Neo Black Axe Movement (Black Axe) had gathered approximately 18 kilometers from Ekpoma for an initiation ritual. 

The operation was led by SP Nelson Igbinoba, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma, and involved a coordinated team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters. During the operation, as officers attempted to arrest the suspects, one of them opened fire, which led to a gunfight and ended with the suspect being neutralized.

Authorities recovered several items during the raid, including a locally made shotgun with live cartridges, a battle axe, a knife, three vehicles, 51 cell phones, 15 pairs of Timberland boots, and several sling bags containing substances thought to be Indian hemp.

Edo State Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika confirmed that the arrested suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and prosecution. He praised the officers for their swift response and professionalism, assuring the public that the police command is committed to combating cultism and other criminal activities.

This raid comes amid growing concerns about cult-related crimes in the region. Earlier in October, the Delta State Police arrested four suspected cultists who attempted to initiate a toddler into their group, a disturbing incident that was captured in a widely circulated video.