The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on criminal networks by demolishing a bungalow and sealing off another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, following allegations of cultism and ritual killings.
The operation, carried out under the state’s security initiative “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” was conducted by a joint task force including the Edo State Security Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to security officials, the crackdown was triggered by a grim discovery earlier this month.
On June 2, local residents raised an alarm regarding a strong odor emanating from an apartment in the Ebhoijie-Uromi area. Security operatives subsequently discovered the severely decomposed body of a gatekeeper, identified as Mildah Dalandi, who medical experts estimate had been dead for approximately one month.
The building where the body was found has been sealed. Following further field investigations, authorities also demolished a nearby bungalow on Dr. Ebason Street, which is allegedly tied to the same suspects and used as an initiation ground for a local confraternity.
A search of the demolished property uncovered a variety of items, including laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a mysterious red liquid suspected to be used for rituals, and identity documents. Investigators noted that one recovered photograph bore the inscription, “Singapore ritualist.”
The primary suspects in the murder and ritual investigation, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large. Security agencies have issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the suspects to report to the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command to clear their names.
State officials reiterated that investigations remain active and emphasized their ongoing commitment to dismantling criminal networks across Edo State communities.
