Intense Heat on Suspected Cultists, Kidnappers in Edo as Govt Demolishes 4 Houses, Arrests About 20 Suspects

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The Edo State government’s sustained offensive against kidnapping and cult-related activities has resulted in the demolition of four houses and arrest of about 20 suspects by the state’s Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”.

A statement dated Friday September 19, 2025, signed by Fred Itua, the chief press secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the special security squad during the week commenced mass demolition of properties linked to suspected cultists in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, with the operation led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).

One of the buildings brought down, located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi belonged to a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.

Itua said the building, which served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence with two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe found in the house.

According to the statement, “Too-Believe, who is currently on the run, is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region. The recent operation follows the brutal killing of a young man (a barber) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes”.

He said another demolished house in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belonged to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. “When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber”, Itua stated.

The statement further disclosed that “A property in the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe belonging to another cult leader was also demolished. The house was earlier raided a day before, which led to the arrest of two young men, Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21). The suspects confessed they were brought to the area to engage in cybercrime activities commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.

“Authorities also conducted a related sweep at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where suspects were arrested”.

Speaking after the demolition exercise at Egbiadokhai Street, John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, said: “The 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.”

Izegaegbe emphasised that the house was directly linked to the murder in Auchi earlier in the week, with evidence including weapons and cult insignia found on-site.

Another member of the security squad, Eribo Emwanta, added: “We are advising parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harboring criminals are next.”

Itua said, “The mass demolition of the properties belonging to suspected cultists in Edo State sends a powerful message as Edo authorities enforce 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 provides that landlords or property owners who permit cult meetings risk at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of the property.

Reaffirming Edo State Government’s zero-tolerance of cultism, with aggressive enforcement and intelligence-led operations across the State, the statement encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to help secure their communities.

As the clampdown continues, Itua alerted that more properties linked to cultists would be marked for demolition, “reinforcing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s declaration that there is no safe haven for cultists in Edo State.”