In a bold escalation of its fight against cultism and organized crime, the Edo State Government has launched a decisive crackdown, sealing off suspected cult properties and declaring key cult leaders wanted. This comes after a wave of violent confrontations and the shocking discovery of a hidden shrine deep in Egbaen community.
The sweeping operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, was led by security squad coordinator Idemudia Noah and supported by allied law enforcement units. Their mission: dismantle both the physical hideouts and spiritual symbols that embolden cult activities across the state.
In Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, operatives stormed an unoccupied building suspected of being linked to cult practices. Behind the structure, a chilling discovery a concealed shrine containing a white casket and ritual items believed to be used in initiations and other occult activities.
Authorities immediately sealed the property, signaling a no-tolerance approach to the secretive networks operating within Edo’s communities.
Elsewhere in the state, chaos gripped Evboyare in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, the scene of a deadly clash between rival cult groups, Eiye and Maphite. The confrontation left one man, Festus, dead and an entire community rattled. The home of alleged Maphite leader Felix Aigbedion, now declared wanted, was swiftly sealed by security forces after he was implicated in the violence.
When operatives arrived in Evboyare, they found a community scarred by terror. Homes were damaged, vehicles destroyed, and bullet casings scattered across the streets. Two locally made firearms were discovered in a poultry house believed to have served as a temporary weapons store for cultists.
In a public briefing, Idemudia Noah underscored the government’s uncompromising resolve. Citing the sealed properties of Aigbedion and Marvellous Adetarami the latter linked to the shrine in Egbaen he made it clear that symbolic gestures were not enough. The government is targeting the very roots of cult influence.
Disturbing revelations also emerged from ongoing investigations, including reports of extortion during cult initiations, where victims were coerced into transferring funds to their aggressors.
Noah delivered a stark message to cultists across the state: “Renounce or relocate. The era of impunity is over. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is committed to restoring safety, peace, and community integrity in Edo.”
The campaign continues, relentless and focused, as Edo State takes a hard stance against the underworld forces threatening its future.
