Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rid the state of cultism and kidnapping, warning that buildings linked to criminal activities will be demolished without hesitation.
The Governor gave the warning on Wednesday while personally overseeing the demolition of a property in Ogheghe, Benin City, allegedly used for internet fraud, kidnapping, and ritual practices. Disturbed by the discovery of shrines and evidence of captivity, Okpebholo said, “Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. This evil is unacceptable in Edo State.”
He vowed to continue the crackdown, stating that criminals would be fished out wherever they hide and their hideouts destroyed. The Governor also announced that such properties would be repurposed for public use, with plans to build a police station on the Ogheghe site.
In a related move, the government demolished a suspected cultists’ base in Amagba GRA, equipped with rooms, halls, and a moat reportedly used for initiation. Eterno Hotel in Benin’s GRA has also been sealed off over alleged links to cult-related killings.
Governor Okpebholo insisted that no one would be spared under the newly signed anti-cultism law.
