Alleged cultism: Four houses demolished, 20 suspects arrested in Edo

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Operatives of Edo Special Security Squad have demolished four houses and arrested 20 suspects in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State in continuation of its war against cultism codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers.

The mass demolition of properties linked to suspected cultists was led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).

The four demolished during the operation include a building located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.

According to a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe were found in the building.

The statement, Too-Believe, who is currently on the run, is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region.

The statement indicated that the operation followed 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. 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.

“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,” Itua said in the statement.

The statement also indicated that the anti-cultists operatives also 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.”

He emphasized 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 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 states that landlords or property owners who permit cult meetings risk at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of the property.

The Edo State Government reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, with aggressive enforcement and intelligence-led operations across the State. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to help secure their communities.

As the clampdown continues, more properties linked to cultists are expected to be marked for demolition, reinforcing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s declaration,
“There is no safe haven for cultists in Edo State.”