The Edo State government has commenced mass demolition of houses linked to suspected cultists in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua in a statement issued Friday said the “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, which commenced during the week was led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).
He noted: “About twenty suspects were arrested during the operations, and four houses were demolished, including a building located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.
“The building, which served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence. Two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe were found in the house.
“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.
“Another house also demolished in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belongs to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
Itua added that when security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled, noting that Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber.
He said: “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.”
The mass demolition of the property 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 states that landlords or property owners who permit cult meetings risk at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of the property.