BENIN: The Edo State Government has intensified its war against cultism and violent gangs, sealing shrines, raiding hideouts, and declaring suspected cult leaders wanted after deadly clashes and shocking discoveries in two communities.
The operations, carried out under the codename “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, were led by the Coordinator of the Squad, Idemudia Noah in partnership with security agencies.
Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed Egbaen in Egor Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 20, where they uncovered a hidden shrine behind an abandoned residential building. Inside, officers found a white casket and fetish objects allegedly used for initiation rites. The government immediately sealed the property, warning that no sanctuary—spiritual or physical—will be spared in the battle against cultism.
In a parallel offensive, security personnel moved into Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, the scene of a violent clash between the Eiye and Maphite confraternities that left one man, Festus, dead.
The residence of alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, was sealed after investigators linked him to the bloody confrontation. Aigbedion, now declared wanted, is accused of orchestrating the assault that escalated into open street warfare.
By the time operatives arrived, Evboyare was a ghost town. Homes and vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, spent cartridges carpeted the streets, and terrified families had fled. Two locally made firearms were recovered from a poultry house believed to have been converted into an armoury by the cultists.
Noah said the crackdown reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s firm resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence.
“We have sealed the Egbaen property of Mr Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was discovered, as well as the Evboyare residence of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, implicated in the fatal clash. These are not symbolic actions—they are a clear message that Edo will no longer tolerate clandestine cult activities,” he declared.
Investigations also revealed evidence of financial extortion during initiation rites, with victims coerced into transferring money to cult members.
Noah assured that security agencies are pursuing prosecutions, stressing that the clampdown is far from over.
He issued a final warning to cultists and their sponsors, saying; “They have only two choices: renounce or leave Edo State. Anyone who persists will face the full weight of the law. This government is determined to secure Edo for its people, restore peace and safeguard communities for genuine social and economic life.”
