The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested 20 suspected cultists and demolished four buildings linked to cult activities during a raid in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The operation, led by the Chief Security Officer of Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer, targeted properties allegedly used as cult meeting points.
One of the demolished buildings, located on Egbiadokhai Street in Auchi, was said to belong to a wanted Black Axe member, popularly known as “Too-Believe.” Security operatives reportedly recovered two cut-to-size guns, two Black Axe berets, and an axe from the house.
Another house, linked to an Eiye Confraternity member identified as Kuwat, was demolished in Iyakpi, South-Ibie. Authorities said Kuwat masterminded the recent killing of a barber in the area but fled before the raid.
A third property in Ogodomiza, Ibie-Nafe, linked to another cult leader, was pulled down after two suspects—Momoh Austin, 17, and Joseph Oyazojo, 21—were earlier arrested there for alleged cybercrime activities. Arrests were also made at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue.
Speaking at the scene, the Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the action followed the expiration of a 166-day grace period given by the governor for cultists to renounce membership in exchange for rehabilitation support.
“This demolition is a warning to landlords and cultists. Stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law,” Izegaegbe warned.
The crackdown is being enforced under the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership. Landlords who permit cult gatherings risk 10 years in jail, alongside forfeiture and demolition of their property.
The operation comes in the wake of heightened cult violence in Edo.
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A barber was killed in South Ibie earlier in the week, while two people lost their lives during a clash between Black Axe and Eiye confraternities at a signing-out party in Auchi on Tuesday.
