Edo security corps arrests suspected ritualist over disappearance of women

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a 49-year-old man, Samson Ecater Igbinedion, in connection with the discovery of a dismembered woman's body in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, a resident of Ewalo Quarters in the area, was arrested following surveillance operations prompted by reports of missing persons in the community.

Deputy Commander of Operations of the corps, Richard Balogun, said the ESSC received information about a suspected ritualist operating in the area following the disappearance of some women.

He said the discovery of a dismembered woman’s body had earlier prompted the corps to launch surveillance operations.

“Our surveillance team spotted someone in a Toyota vehicle dumping a corpse in the area before driving away. When the operatives visited the scene, they discovered the dismembered body of a woman,” he said.

Balogun said the operatives subsequently tracked down and arrested the suspect, recovered the vehicle allegedly used in the incident and handed him over to the police for further investigation.

He added that the corpse was also investigating the disappearance of another woman, identified as Patience, in Ewowo community.

Patience was said to have returned from Lagos to Benin City on October 1, 2026, but was later declared missing after efforts by her family and community members to locate her proved unsuccessful.

Balogun urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the corps would intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

He warned those involved in criminal activities to leave the state, adding that the corps would not allow them to operate freely.