20 embalmed corpses discovered in suspected ritual shrine in Edo

The Edo State Police Command says its men have uncovered a suspected ritual shrine hosting 20 mummified bodies.

It added that the bodies comprised 15 males, three females and two children.

The command deputy spokesperson, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, in a statement on Thursday said the police stormed the hideout based on intelligence after receiving intelligence that some corpses were in a building on Ekenhua Road, Uzebu quarters, Benin.

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

The statement read partly, “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 corpse seen 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 and Oko Samuel both of Afikpo in Ebonyi State, as well as Gideon Sunday of Akwa-Ibom State were arrested while others fled. An intensive effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects.

“15 mummified male corpses, three mummified female corpses and two mummified children corpses were discovered at the scene.

“The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal and Intelligence Department to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses. He 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.”