The Edo State Government has demolished four houses linked to cultism and arrested twenty suspected cultists in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest of the suspects and demolition of the houses was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed ‘Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers’.
The arrests and the subsequent demolition of the houses followed the recent killing of two persons in the Etsako on 16th September, 2025.
The demolished houses are located at Egbeadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School, Auchi; Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie and Ogodomiza area in Ibie-Nafe, all in Etsako West LGA.
John Izegaegbe, the Secretary of the State Security Squad, who disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Benin City, said the buildings were linked to suspected cultists.
Izegaegbe said the building at Egbeadokhai Street, Auchi and the one at Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, were owned by well known suspected cultists who allegedly belonged to the Black Axe and Eiye confraternity.
He further alleged that the building at Egbeadokhai Street, Auchi, served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity.
He also alleged that the house was directly linked to the murder in Auchi earlier in the week, with evidence including weapons and cult insignia found on-site
The State Security Squad’s secretary said two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe, were found in the house.
He added that the owner of the house is currently on the run.
A similar operation took place in South-Ibie following the recent killing of a young man, who was a barber, in the area.
Izegaegbe alleged that the killing was linked to a clash between cult groups.
According to him, another house also demolished in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belongs to a cultist said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
“When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. The suspect 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.
“Authorities also conducted a related sweep at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where suspects were arrested,” he said.
Izegaegbe opined that the demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists.
Also speaking, Eribo Emwanta, a member of the security squad, advised parents and hotel owners to be vigilant, noting that the agency is cleaning the communities and hotels harboring criminals in the state.
He vowed that more properties linked to cultists are expected to be marked for demolition in line with the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
