The Edo State Government has commenced the demolition of properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to combat kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities across the state.
Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the action followed a major security raid conducted on November 17, 2025.
The demolition exercise was executed after cult leaders failed to comply with a seven-day ultimatum to surrender following a violent clash in Uromi on November 16, 2025.
The initial security operation had been carried out by the State’s Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, resulting in the arrest of 31 suspects at various hideouts. Leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities, accused of orchestrating the violent confrontation, were given the ultimatum to turn themselves in.
With the deadline expired and no compliance from the wanted cult leaders, authorities proceeded to demolish buildings where incriminating evidence had been uncovered. The government described the demolition as a clear demonstration of the administration’s determination to eradicate criminality.
The operation was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, with support from the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
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Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the security outfit codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, stated that the demolition became necessary after suspects failed to take advantage of both the ultimatum and an extended grace period.
“This demolition exercise should serve as a warning to landlords and property owners in Uromi to properly profile their tenants. These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them,” Noah declared.
He added that the affected properties would be taken over by the Edo State Government for use as operational bases for security forces.
Noah reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to eliminating cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of criminal activity. “We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law,” he emphasized.
In a separate operation based on credible intelligence, the security squad raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi, arresting 15 individuals after illicit drugs were discovered in their possession. The suspects have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, further investigation, and eventual prosecution.
Noah explained that drug peddling in the area had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists, and kidnappers. “We received information from our colleagues in Uromi on the ongoing illicit drug trade, which promotes nefarious activities. We swung into action and arrested both sellers and buyers,” he said.
One of the arrested suspects, a marijuana dealer identified as Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling drugs alongside two others in the Hausa quarters.
The twin operations demonstrate the Edo State Government’s resolve under Governor Okpebholo to tackle security challenges through decisive action against criminal elements and their enablers, sending a strong message that the state will not tolerate activities that threaten public safety and peace.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
