The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities with the demolition of properties allegedly tied to cult groups in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
The action was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo. He explained that the demolition formed part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes across the state.
According to Ebojele, the move followed a major security raid carried out on November 17 by the State Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other agencies. During that operation, 31 suspects were arrested at different hideouts.
He noted that leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities had earlier been issued a seven-day ultimatum to surrender following a violent clash in Uromi on November 16. With the deadline expired and no compliance from the wanted cult leaders, the taskforce proceeded to demolish buildings where incriminating evidence was discovered.
The demolition exercise was led by CSP Michael Anetor, Principal Security Officer to the governor, with support from the Uromi Divisional Police Officer and other allied security groups.
Coordinator of Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, Idemudia Noah, explained that the decision became necessary after suspects ignored both the ultimatum and an extended grace period. He added that the affected properties would now be repurposed by the Edo government as operational bases for security agencies.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, the squad raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi, arresting 15 individuals after illicit drugs were discovered. The suspects were transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, investigation, and possible prosecution.
Noah revealed that drug peddling in the area had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists, and kidnappers. One suspect, identified as Tajudeen Lawal, confessed to selling marijuana alongside two accomplices.
The Edo State Government reiterated its determination to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across communities. The latest operations, combining demolition of cult-linked properties and raids on drug dens, signal a renewed push to secure Edo State and reassure residents of their safety.
