The Edo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cult members in Otuo, recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, and apprehended suspects linked to the alleged sexual violation and online exposure of a young girl in Ekiadolor.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operational achievements of the Command on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor.

Ikoedem said the arrests and recovery were part of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling criminal activities and protecting lives and property across the state.

She disclosed that the Command had also concluded a one-week joint clearance operation across parts of Edo North, targeting criminal hideouts in forest areas.

According to her, the operation yielded positive results, with the affected communities remaining relatively calm and peaceful, particularly with no reported kidnapping incidents during the period.

The police spokesperson further revealed that operatives of the Gender and Family Unit recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, while suspects connected to the incident were arrested.

She said the baby had since been reunited with the family.

In another development, seven suspected notorious cult members were arrested by operatives of Otuo Division during an intelligence-driven operation to curb cult-related activities in the area.

The Command also arrested suspects allegedly involved in stripping a young girl in the Ekiadolor axis and circulating the material on social media.

Ikoedem said the suspects were in police custody, while investigations were ongoing to ensure that anyone found culpable would face the law.

On sexual violence, she disclosed that a 37-year-old man was in police custody over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.

She said the case was being thoroughly investigated and that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, while advising parents and young people to shun cultism and other criminal associations.

He also cautioned members of the public against using social media to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others, stressing that sexual violence in any form remained a criminal offence.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and taking decisive action against criminal activities across Edo State. (Channels)