The Edo State Government has intensified its offensive against cult groups with the demolition of four houses and the arrest of more than 20 suspects in Etsako West Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out under the state’s special security initiative Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, targeted properties linked to leaders of rival cult groups in Auchi, South Ibie, and Ibie-Nafe communities.
Among the demolished structures was a house on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School, alleged to be the meeting point of the Black Axe confraternity. Security operatives said weapons, including two cut-to-size guns, black berets, and an axe, were recovered from the property. The building was said to belong to a wanted cultist popularly known as Too-Believe, who is currently on the run.
The crackdown followed the killing of a young barber in South Ibie, reportedly linked to cult clashes. Another demolished property at Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, belonged to a suspected Eiye leader, identified as Kuwat, who allegedly masterminded the barber’s murder. He fled before security agents arrived.
In Ibie-Nafe, a third building was pulled down after two suspects, 17-year-old Momoh Austin and 21-year-old Joseph Oyazojo, were arrested on suspicion of cybercrime. A raid was also carried out at Hybrid Hotel and Suites, Elele, Uzairue, where more arrests were made.
Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the government had given cultists a 166-day grace period to renounce and embrace rehabilitation programmes but most ignored the opportunity. He warned landlords and property owners against accommodating cultists, stressing that such properties risk forfeiture.
“The evidence found in these houses links them directly to recent killings. Landlords must beware—if your property harbors cultists, you will face the consequences,” he said.
Another security officer, Eribo Emwanta, advised parents and hotel operators to monitor youths and guests closely, warning that hotels found shielding cultists would also face sanctions.
The latest enforcement is in line with the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes stiff penalties for cult membership, including life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years. Landlords who permit cult meetings face at least 10 years in prison alongside demolition of their property.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has repeatedly vowed to rid Edo communities of cult violence, insisting, “There is no safe haven for cultists in this state.”
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