The Edo State Government demolished buildings in Uromi and Ewatto allegedly linked to ritual activities and cult-related crimes as part of its renewed crackdown on criminality across the state.

The demolition exercise, carried out on Wednesday, involved the Edo State Special Security Squad, the police and other security agencies.

A bungalow and four boys’ quarters at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi, Esan Central Senatorial District, were demolished after authorities linked the property to a suspected ritualist, identified as 40-year-old Ebhata Eromosele.

Another property allegedly associated with cult-related activities in Ewatto was also pulled down.

Suspected ritualist linked to attacks on three women

The state authorities alleged that Eromosele was involved in attacks on three young women, one of whom reportedly died.

Another victim, who was hospitalised following the alleged attack, has been discharged, while the third remains on admission at an undisclosed hospital.

The Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, disclosed the development while speaking to journalists on Thursday.

According to Mr Idemudia, a lifeless body allegedly killed and dumped was traced by security operatives to the bungalow used by the suspect.

He said a search of the property allegedly uncovered a bloodstained bedspread and other items which security officials described as evidence of ritual activities and suspected organ harvesting.

Mr Idemudia said the government was determined to rid Edo State of criminal elements and warned that properties used as hideouts or for the perpetration of crimes would be demolished.

Cult-linked property demolished in Ewatto

The authorities also demolished a building belonging to Bright Ejetuwamen in Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area.

Mr Idemudia alleged that Mr Ejetuwamen was at the forefront of a cult-related crisis in the community and that the property was being used for cult-related activities.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or property used to perpetrate crime, as such structures will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State,” he said.

The latest action is part of the Edo State Government’s wider security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing properties from being used as bases for violent or unlawful activities.

Security agencies intensify crackdown

The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (retd.), said the arrest of the suspected ritualist followed more than a month of surveillance.

The authorities said the security operation involved collaboration among the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

The state government has maintained that its administration would continue to take action against criminal activities, including cultism, ritual-related crimes and other threats to public safety.

The government’s latest demolition exercise also sends a warning to property owners to ensure that their premises are not being used for criminal activities.