The Edo State Government has demolished a residential building in the Amagba area of Benin City allegedly linked to suspected cult members connected to recent violent incidents in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, who said the property was associated with individuals under investigation for cult-related activities.
According to the statement, security operatives identified seven persons allegedly connected to the incidents. Two suspects believed to be members of the Aye confraternity have been arrested, while five others are currently at large.
Ebojele explained that the demolition exercise was carried out by the state’s Special Security Squad under an operation targeted at dismantling cult and kidnapping networks across the state.
He noted that the action followed directives from Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the state’s anti-cultism laws strictly, regardless of the individuals involved.
Authorities also sealed a separate residence located in the Upper Uwa axis of Benin City, described as the last known address of a suspect identified as Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly known as Baba Josh. He is alleged to be linked to another confraternity group and remains under investigation.
The state government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security operations and warned that individuals connected to cult-related activities would continue to face legal consequences.
