The Edo State Government has demolished four houses linked to suspected cultists and arrested more than twenty individuals in a major security operation across the Etsako West Local Government Area.
The action was carried out by the stateโs Special Security Squad, known as โOperation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappersโ, under the leadership of the Chief Security Officer to the Government House and the Governorโs Principal Security Officer.
One of the properties demolished, located on Egbiadokhai Street behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi, belonged to a wanted cult figure known as Too-Believe. The building had been identified as a regular meeting point for the Black Axe Confraternity.
During the operation, security forces recovered two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps, and one sharp axe from the premises. Too-Believe remains at large.
Another property demolished in the Anoguele Street area of Iyakpi, South-Ibie, was owned by a cultist named Kuwat, a member of the Eiye Confraternity. He is accused of being the main mastermind behind the recent brutal killing of a local barber and also managed to escape before security forces arrived. A third property in the Ogodomiza Area of Ibie-Nafe, belonging to another cult leader, was also levelled. Prior to its demolition, two young menโMomoh Austin, 17, and Joseph Oyazojo, 21โwere arrested at the location. They confessed to being brought to the area to engage in cybercrime, commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.
Authorities also conducted raids at the Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where additional suspects were taken into custody.
The governmentโs action follows the expiration of a 166-day grace period offered by Governor Monday Okpebholo for cultists to renounce their affiliations and accept offers of soft loans and skills acquisition training. That window was widely ignored, prompting the current crackdown.
John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, stated during the demolition exercise: โThe Governor gave 166 days of grace to all cultists to renounce, offering soft loans and skills training. That window was ignored. Now, desperate times call for desperate action. This demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law.โ
He confirmed that the demolished building in Auchi was directly connected to a murder committed earlier in the week. Another security official, Eribo Emwanta, issued a broader warning: โWe are advising parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harbouring criminals are next.โ
The operation signals the stateโs strict enforcement of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership. The law also stipulates that landlords who permit cult activities on their properties face at least ten years in prison, in addition to forfeiture and demolition of the building.
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and continues to carry out intelligence-led operations across the state. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to help security agencies restore safety to their communities.
As the clampdown continues, more properties with established links to cult activities are expected to be demolished, reinforcing the governmentโs declaration that there is no safe haven for cultists in Edo State.
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