The Edo State Government has intensified its clampdown on cult-related violence with the demolition of a building in the Amagba area of Benin City said to be linked to suspected cult members.
The government said two suspected members of the banned Aye Confraternity were apprehended at the premises during a recent raid tied to ongoing investigations into cult killings across the state, while five other suspects reportedly escaped.
The demolition was carried out on Thursday by the Special Security Squad operating under the code name, Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State.
The exercise was supervised by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, according to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary.
Speaking with journalists at the site, the squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, restated the administration’s commitment to enforcing the anti-cultism law to the letter.
He emphasised that the directive from the governor was clear and uncompromising, warning that no individual, regardless of status, would evade accountability.
Enwanta revealed that suspects identified as Koko, Enas and Sparol, among others who fled during the operation, had been declared wanted and would be tracked down to answer for their alleged roles in violent crimes.
On the summons issued to certain Okiagheles (youth leaders), he disclosed that two of the three invited individuals had reported and were being profiled by security operatives.
However, the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, had yet to honour the invitation.
He noted that the youth leader had been given a seven-day ultimatum to present himself, cautioning that failure to do so could result in further action, including being formally declared wanted.
Dismissing claims circulating on social media challenging the governor’s authority, Enwanta insisted that the rule of law remained supreme in the state and must be respected by all.
Meanwhile, operatives also sealed off a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin believed to be the last known address of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly called Baba Josh.
Joshua is alleged to be affiliated with the Maphite Confraternity and has been accused of orchestrating and funding last week’s killing along Wire Road.
According to the security team, intelligence reports indicated that the suspect had relocated to Canada. Enwanta said the state government had contacted Interpol to assist in tracking and repatriating him to face prosecution.
He further alleged that Joshua placed a N1m reward on his victim and financed the weapons allegedly used in the attack.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Enwanta maintained that properties linked to individuals under investigation would remain under seal until they submit themselves to authorities, adding that the administration would sustain its efforts to rid Edo of cult-related crimes.
