The Edo State Government has pulled down a building in Uromi allegedly used for cult initiation and ritual activities, as security operatives intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The demolition, which took place on Monday in the Esan North-East Local Government Area, was carried out under “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”—a coordinated security initiative involving the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other agencies.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the operation was supervised by senior security officials attached to the governor.
Speaking at the scene, the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, explained that the intervention was prompted by intelligence reports and field findings in the area. He disclosed that one of the sealed buildings in Ebhoijie-Uromi was linked to a disturbing discovery made earlier in June.
“We are here on the order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and, on getting here, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” Izegaegbe stated.
“It was further discovered, according to medical experts, that the body found in the building, which is the body of their gatekeeper, identified as Mildah Dalandi, had been decomposing for about one month in the apartment.”
He said security operatives recovered the decomposed remains on June 2, 2026, after residents raised an alarm over a strong odour emanating from the premises.
The suspects, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large. Izegaegbe issued a firm warning to the fleeing individuals.
“The suspects are on the run, but we are giving them 72 hours to report themselves at the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command to clear themselves and enable further investigation into the matter,” he said.
Beyond the initial discovery, the operation led to the demolition of a bungalow on Ebason Street, Uromi, allegedly linked to the same suspects. Izegaegbe further alleged that evidence gathered from the property pointed to cult-related activities.
“Information brought us here as the property belongs to the same suspects, and evidence has shown that this building is used as an initiation ground for new members into the confraternity,” he added.
Items recovered from the premises included laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for rituals, identity documents, and photographs—one of which reportedly bore the inscription, “Singapore ritualist.”
The Edo State Government reiterated that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks across communities would continue without let-up.
Discussion about this post