06
Dec
Dec
EDO STATE GOVERNMENT DEMOLISHES CULT-LINKED PROPERTIES, ARRESTS 15 FOR DRUG OFFENSES
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
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- 3 min read
The Edo State Government has begun demolishing properties allegedly connected to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. This action is part of a broader initiative to combat kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal enterprises in the state. The demolition followed a major security raid conducted on November 17, 2025, by the state’s Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other agencies. During the initial operation, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts. Leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities, accused of orchestrating a violent fracas in Uromi on November 16, were issued a seven-day ultimatum to surrender. With the expiration of that ultimatum and no compliance from the suspected cult leaders, the government proceeded to demolish structures where incriminating evidence had been discovered. Officials stated this demonstrates the administration’s commitment to stamping out criminality. The operation was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of the Uromi Division, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee, and Nigerian Army personnel. Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the security outfit codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism,” explained that the demolition became necessary after the suspects failed to take advantage of both the ultimatum and an additional 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 said. “These properties will now be taken over by the Edo State Government for use as operational offices.” Noah emphasized the Okpebholo administration’s dedication to eliminating cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality. “We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law,” he added. In a related operation, the squad acted on credible intelligence to raid the Hausa quarters in Uromi, where 15 persons were arrested after illicit drugs were found in their possession. The suspects have been handed over to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling and further investigation before transfer to appropriate authorities for prosecution. Noah linked drug peddling to the influx of criminal elements in the area. “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 suspects, a marijuana dealer identified as Tajudeen Lawal, confessed to being involved in the sale of drugs alongside two others at the Hausa quarters.
