The Edo State Government has intensified its fight against cultism with the demolition of four houses allegedly linked to cult activities in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. The action follows the killing of two persons in the area on September 16, 2025.
At least 20 suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with recent cult-related violence in the local government, according to state authorities.
The arrests and demolitions were carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers. The squad has been actively operating across the state in recent weeks following a rise in cult clashes, killings, and kidnappings.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Benin City, the Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, explained that the demolished properties were confirmed to be either owned or used by known members of dangerous cult groups such as the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities.
The buildings demolished include:
A house at Egbeadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School, Auchi
A residence on Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie
A property in the Ogodomiza area of Ibie-Nafe
An additional property linked to cult activities in the area
According to Izegaegbe, the house at Egbeadokhai Street in Auchi was being used regularly as a meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity. During the operation, security agents recovered two cut-to-size guns, two black berets associated with Black Axe members, and one sharp axe from the premises.
“This house was directly linked to the recent murder in Auchi,” he said. “The owner of the house is currently on the run, but we have strong evidence tying the building to cult-related violence.”
A similar operation took place in South-Ibie, where a young barber was killed earlier in the week. Authorities say the killing was the result of a clash between rival cult groups. The house in Anoguele Street was linked to a suspected member of the Eiye cult group, who has since fled the area.
“We received credible intelligence linking the suspect to the killing. Unfortunately, he escaped before our team arrived, but his house was pulled down after further confirmation,” Izegaegbe added.
Another property demolished in Ogodomiza, Ibie-Nafe, was reportedly used by a cult leader involved in both cultism and cybercrime. During a raid a day before the demolition, two young men—Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21)—were arrested.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they were brought to the area to engage in Yahoo Yahoo (cybercrime) and were also involved with cult activities,” he stated.
Additionally, the security team conducted a separate raid on Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where more suspects were arrested. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the extent of the hotel’s involvement in sheltering criminal elements.
Speaking further, Izegaegbe said the demolitions serve as a strong warning to landlords, hotel operators, and parents. He said anyone found aiding or housing cultists, kidnappers, or cybercriminals will face severe consequences.
Also addressing the press, another member of the security squad, Eribo Emwanta, called on communities and hotel owners to be more vigilant.
“We are cleaning up the state,” Emwanta said. “Any house, shop, or hotel linked to cultism, kidnapping, or Yahoo Yahoo will be pulled down. We will not allow criminals to hide in our communities.”
He added that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, had given full backing to the demolition of properties linked to criminal activities as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security.
This latest crackdown is part of a wider anti-cultism campaign launched by the state government, following reports of rising insecurity and violent cult clashes, especially in Edo North.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier declared a zero-tolerance policy for cultism and directed security agencies to take bold action against anyone involved in cult violence.
So far, the Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers task force has carried out several arrests and is expected to continue its operations across all local government areas.
Residents of Etsako West have welcomed the move, urging the government not to relent until peace is fully restored.
