Suspected Ritualist Buildings Demolished, Another Sealed in Edo

BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities and sealed another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state.

The operation, conducted under the state’s “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” involved personnel of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies acting on directives from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking during the exercise, Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, said the action followed intelligence reports and investigations carried out in the area.

According to him, one of the sealed properties at Ebhoijie, Uromi, was linked to a suspected murder and ritual-related case.

“We are here on the marching order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and upon arrival, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” Izegaegbe stated.

He disclosed that the decomposed body of a gateman, identified as Mildah Dalandi, was discovered in one of the apartments on June 2, 2026, after residents alerted authorities to a foul odour emanating from the building.

“Medical experts confirmed that the body had been decomposing for about one month,” he said.

Izegaegbe identified two suspects, Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, as persons of interest in the case, noting that they are currently on the run.

“The suspects are at large, but we are giving them 72 hours to report to the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or the Area Command to clear themselves and assist ongoing investigations,” he added.

Following the discovery, security operatives demolished a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street, Uromi, which authorities alleged was connected to the suspects.

He said preliminary findings indicated that the property was being used as an initiation ground for cult activities.

“Information available to us shows that the property belongs to the same suspects, and evidence suggests that it was used for initiating new members into a cult confraternity,” Izegaegbe said.

Items reportedly recovered from the premises included laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for ritual purposes, identity documents, and photographs, including one bearing the inscription “Singapore ritualist.”

The security squad secretary said the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements operating in the state.

“This building is being brought down to send a strong message that the Edo State Government will not tolerate criminal activities. Those involved in cultism, kidnapping, and other crimes should either desist or face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks across communities and assured residents that investigations into the matter are ongoing.