Cultism: Edo govt demolishes houses in Auchi, South Ibie, arrests 20 suspects

The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence with the demolition of several houses in Auchi and South Ibie, Etsako West Local Government Area, as part of an ongoing security operation tagged Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers.

The coordinated raids, led by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor and the Principal Security Officer of Government House, resulted in the arrest of about 20 suspects and the destruction of four buildings, according to a statement issued on Friday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

One of the properties taken down was a house on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi, allegedly owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.

Authorities said the building allegedly doubled as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe confraternity, where security operatives discovered two cut-to-size guns, two black berets linked to the group, and a sharp axe.

“The building, which served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence. Two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe were found in the house.

“Too-Believe, who is currently on the run, is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region.

“The recent operation follows the brutal killing of a young man (a barber ) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes.

“Another house also demolished in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belongs to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber.

“A property in the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe belonging to another cult leader was also demolished. The house was earlier raided a day before, which led to the arrest of two young men, Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21). The suspects confessed they were brought to the area to engage in cybercrime activities commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo,” the statement obtained by PlatinumPost said .

Authorities further carried out a raid at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where additional arrests were made.

Speaking after the demolitions, John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, said: “The Governor gave 166 days of grace to all 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 all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law.”

He stressed that one of the demolished houses was directly tied to the recent killing in Auchi, citing weapons and cult paraphernalia recovered from the site.

Another squad member, Eribo Emwanta, warned:“We are advising parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harboring criminals are next.”

The demolitions are being enforced under the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for anyone found guilty of cult membership. Property owners who allow their buildings to host cult gatherings also risk at least 10 years behind bars, as well as forfeiture and demolition of their property.