BENIN: The Edo State Government has stepped up its fight against cultism with the demolition of four houses linked to suspected cultists and the arrest of more than 20 suspects during a sweeping security operation in Auchi, South Ibie, and other parts of Edo North.
The crackdown, carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, was led by the Chief Security Officer and the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
One of the demolished houses, located on Egbiadokhai Street behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi, belonged to a notorious cultist known as Too-Believe. Security operatives disclosed that the building served as a meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity. Items recovered from the house included two cut-to-size guns, two Black Axe berets, and a sharp axe.
The operation followed the brutal killing of a young barber in South Ibie, which authorities linked to rival cult clashes. Another demolished building on Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South Ibie, was said to belong to Kuwat, a suspected Eiye Confraternity member identified as the mastermind of the barber’s murder.
Similarly, a property in Ogodomiza, Ibie-Nafe, tied to another cult leader, was pulled down after two suspects – 17-year-old Momoh Austin and 21-year-old Joseph Oyazojo – were arrested at the location. The suspects confessed they were recruited into internet fraud, also known as Yahoo Yahoo.
Security forces also stormed Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where more suspects were arrested.
Speaking after the demolitions, Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said: “The Governor gave 166 days of grace for 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 cultists and landlords – stay away from cultism or face the law.”
Another squad member, Eribo Emwanta, warned parents and hotel operators to remain vigilant, stressing that “hotels harboring criminals are next.”
The demolition exercise is part of the enforcement of the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership. The law also stipulates at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of property, for landlords who allow cult meetings on their premises.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, declaring, “there is no safe haven for cultists in Edo State.”
With more raids planned in Edo North and across the state, the government urged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies to help restore peace and safety.
