The command reported that 20 mummified bodies had been found at the shrine in a statement from Jennifer Iwegbu, its deputy police public relations officer.
Iwegbu reported that three individuals were taken into custody on site on Wednesday night.
She continued by saying that the arrest was likely as a result of the force receiving reliable information.
Her statement reads:
“In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud, operatives of the Edo state police command on 17/08/2022 discovered a suspected ritual shrine,” she said.“Following credible information that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua Road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city, operatives of the command immediately mobilised to the scene.“At the scene, three 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.”
She further stated;
“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 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,”
