Auchi, Edo State – In a decisive move against rampant cultism, operatives of the Edo State Special Security Squad carried out a significant raid on Thursday, leading to the arrest of twenty suspected cultists and the demolition of four buildings linked to their activities. The operation, which took place in the Etsako West Local Government Area, signals a strong commitment from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to reclaiming public spaces from criminal elements.
The crackdown, as detailed in a press statement released Friday by Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, was meticulously planned and executed under the leadership of the Chief Security Officer, Government House, and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer.
Weapons and Evidence Uncovered
One of the most impactful demolitions occurred at a building on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi. This property, owned by a wanted cultist known only as “Too-Believe,” was identified as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity. During the raid, security forces discovered a cache of alarming evidence, including two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps emblematic of Black Axe cultists, and a sharp axe. Too-Believe himself remains at large, but authorities have highlighted his deep entrenchment in the region’s cult operations.
Further demolitions targeted properties belonging to other known cult leaders. In Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, a house belonging to a cultist identified as “Kuwat,” a member of the Eiye Confraternity, was razed. Kuwat had reportedly fled before security agents arrived, but he is a key suspect in the recent brutal killing of a barber.
In the Ogodomiza Area of Ibie-Nafe, another cult leader’s property was demolished. Significantly, this house had been raided just a day prior, leading to the arrest of two young men, 17-year-old Momoh Austin and 21-year-old Joseph Oyazojo. These suspects confessed to being recruited for cybercrime activities, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” suggesting a disturbing nexus between cultism and online fraud.
A related sweep also took place at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where additional suspects were apprehended.
A Warning to Cultists and Landlords
John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, addressed the demolition exercise, emphasizing the governor’s prior efforts to address the cultism menace. “The Governor gave 166 days of grace to all cultists to renounce, offering soft loans and skills training. That window was ignored,” Izegaegbe stated. “Now, desperate times call for desperate action. This demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law.”
He underscored the direct link between the demolished Auchi property and recent violence, citing the discovery of weapons and cult insignia as irrefutable evidence.
Legal Framework and Escalating Violence
The demolition of these properties aligns with the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025. This legislation carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership. Furthermore, landlords who knowingly permit cult meetings on their properties face a minimum of 10 years in prison, alongside property forfeiture and demolition.
The recent operation comes in the wake of heightened cult-related violence in the state. The brutal killing of a barber in South Ibie has been directly linked to rival cult clashes. Additionally, just days before this raid, two individuals were reportedly killed during a “signing-out” celebration by cult leaders at a hotel in Auchi. The incident escalated from gunshots and banter between members of the Black Axe Movement and Eiye confraternities, reportedly triggered when a rival cult member’s vehicle was hit, resulting in a deadly confrontation.
This comprehensive operation by the Edo State government sends a clear and unequivocal message: cultism will no longer be tolerated, and those involved, along with those who enable them, will face the full force of the law.
