20 mummified remains, consisting of 15 males, 3 females, and 2 children, were found by the Edo State Police Command's agents in a structure near the Asoro slope off Ekenhua road in the Uzebu neighbourhood of Benin City.
This was announced by the Edo Police Command in a statement on Thursday that was signed by ASP Jennifer U. Iwegbu, the deputy police public relations officer.
According to ASP Iwegbu, members of the Edo State Police Command have dismantled a rumoured ritual shrine as part of their operational duty to prevent crimes before they start.
She claimed that after Command received reliable information indicating that some bodies had been found in a structure at Asoro slope off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city. The command's agents deployed to the area right away and sprang into action.
“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.
” At the scene, 15 mummified male corpses, 3 mummified female corpses and 2 mummified children corpses were discovered.
“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.
The Police commissioner has therefore enjoined 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.