Edo state government said its Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” has demolished four buildings belonging to suspected cultists in Auchi, headquarters of Estako West local government area.

It said the demolition followed cult- related killings after the signing out of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said the operation was led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House, and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).

Itua, in a statement, said the buildings were owned by wanted cultists and used as a meeting point for cultists.

He said one of the buildings located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi, and owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe, served as a meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

Items recovered from the building included two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe.

Itua said the demolished building located at Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belonged to a suspected cultist named Kuwat and was believed to be the mastermind of the killing of the barber.

He said a property at the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe was also demolished.

According to him, “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.

Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, 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.

Another member of the security squad, Eribo Emwanta, advised parents and hotel owners to be vigilant.

“We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harboring criminals are next.”

Continuing, Itua said, “The mass demolition of the properties belonging to suspected cultists in Edo State sends a powerful message as Edo authorities enforce the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership.

“The law also states that landlords or property owners who permit cult meetings risk at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of the property.

“The Edo State Government reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, with aggressive enforcement and intelligence-led operations across the State. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to help secure their communities.

“As the clampdown continues, more properties linked to cultists are expected to be marked for demolition, reinforcing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s declaration,

“There is no haven for cultists in Edo State.” (The Nation)