The Edo State Government has intensified its war against cultism with the demolition of four houses linked to notorious cultists in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo North, and the arrest of over 20 suspects.
The operation, codenamed “Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, was led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House, and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).
Among the demolished properties was a house on Egbiadokhai Street, Auchi, belonging to a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe. The building, which served as a Black Axe meeting hub, yielded weapons and cult insignia, including two cut-to-size guns, black berets, and a sharp axe. Too-Believe remains on the run.
The crackdown followed the killing of a barber in South Ibie, traced to rival cult clashes. Another demolished house on Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, belonged to Kuwat, a member of the Eiye Confraternity and alleged mastermind of the barber’s murder.
In Ogodomiza, Ibie-Nafe, security forces demolished another cultist’s property after arresting two young men—Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21)—who confessed to being recruited for internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo).
Raids also extended to Hybrid Hotel and Suites, Elele, Uzairue, where additional suspects were apprehended.
John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the Security Squad, warned:
“The Governor gave 166 days of grace for cultists to renounce and embrace rehabilitation through skills training and loans. They ignored it. Now, desperate times call for desperate action.”
Eribo Emwanta, another squad member, urged parents and hoteliers to be vigilant, stressing that hotels shielding criminals would also face sanctions.
The demolition aligns with the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership, and at least 10 years plus forfeiture for landlords who enable cult meetings.
Governor Monday Okpebholo reiterated:
“There is no safe haven for cultists in Edo State.”
The government vows to continue marking and demolishing properties tied to cultists as part of its zero-tolerance stance.
