The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, has demolished properties linked to suspected cultists in Etsako West local government area of Edo State.
The operation was led by the chief security officer, Government House and the governor’s principal security officer (PSO).
About 20 suspects were arrested during the operation, 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, said to serve 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.
One of the suspects, known as ‘Too-Believe’, who is currently on the run, is alleged to be 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 alleged cultist named Kuwat, 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 that 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.”
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, advised parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. “We are cleaning out these communities and hotels harbouring criminals are next,” he said.
