Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a suspected cultist, Emmanuel Keta, over the attempted murder of a Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) student in Edo State.
The victim, identified as Naomi Monday, is from Agbado community in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The suspect, who hails from Ogoja in Benue State, was reportedly initiated into a cult group in December 2025 and allegedly assigned to kill at least 11 individuals as part of a promotion requirement within the group.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly attacked the student at her residence shortly after she returned from school. Armed with a cutlass, he reportedly inflicted machete wounds on her without provocation.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victim was rescued by neighbours who responded to her cries for help, while the suspect fled the scene.
“The victim was the first person he attacked in his mission to gain the promotion.
“He was later tracked and arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps and handed over to police for further action,” the source disclosed.
Meanwhile, the victim’s elder sister, Esther Monday, has called for justice, revealing that Naomi is currently receiving treatment in hospital and remains in critical condition.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspect was allegedly instructed to carry out multiple killings as part of his initiation process.
She described the case as attempted murder and noted that the suspect has confessed.
“The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation,” she added.
