The Edo State Government has intensified its campaign against cultism and criminal gangs, sealing off suspected cultists’ properties and declaring key leaders wanted.
The latest operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and led by the squad coordinator, Idemudia Noah.
Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, where they discovered a shrine containing a white casket and fetish items allegedly used for initiation rituals. The government immediately ordered the building sealed as part of its efforts to dismantle the structures that sustain cultism across the state.
In a related development, security operatives also moved into Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area following a violent clash between rival cult groups, the Eiye and Maphite confraternities, which left one person dead.
Authorities linked the violence to a Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, whose residence was sealed. Aigbedion, now declared wanted, is believed to have orchestrated the deadly attack during a community dispute.
By the time security forces arrived, Evboyare was in ruins, with homes and vehicles destroyed, spent cartridges scattered across the ground, and residents forced to flee. Two locally made firearms were also recovered from a poultry house allegedly serving as a makeshift armory for cultists.
Speaking on the development, Noah said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remains determined to eradicate cult-related violence.
“We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, linked to the Evboyare clash, and the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered. These actions are not symbolic but a clear warning that clandestine activities will no longer be tolerated in Edo State,” he stated.
Investigations also revealed cases of extortion during initiation processes, where victims were reportedly forced to transfer money to cult members. Noah confirmed that the police had been briefed and prosecutions were underway.
He issued a stern warning to cultists:
“You have two options—renounce or leave Edo State. Anyone who persists will face the full weight of the law. This government is committed to restoring peace and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.”
