The Edo State Government has intensified its war against criminality, demolishing a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities while sealing another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted under the state’s ongoing **“Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,”** was carried out by the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies acting on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking during the exercise, Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, disclosed that the action followed intelligence reports and investigations which uncovered disturbing criminal activities in the area.
“We are here on the marching order of Governor Monday Okpebholo and getting here we discovered that it’s a ritual and a murder case,” Izegaegbe stated.
According to him, one of the sealed buildings located in Ebhoijie-Uromi became the focus of investigation after security operatives discovered the decomposed body of a gateman, identified as Mildah Dalandi, inside an apartment.
He revealed that medical experts concluded that the corpse had been left in the building for about one month before it was discovered on June 2, 2026, following complaints by residents over a foul odour emanating from the premises.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that two suspects, Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, have fled the area and are currently being sought by security agencies.
“The suspects are on the run, but we are giving them 72 hours to report themselves at the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command to clear themselves and enable further investigation into the matter,” Izegaegbe warned.
Following additional investigations, security operatives moved to a bungalow on Dr. Ebason Street in Uromi, allegedly linked to the same suspects, and ordered its demolition.
“This house will certainly be brought down as the government will not tolerate criminal elements in the state,” he declared.
Izegaegbe further alleged that evidence recovered from the property suggested it was being used as an initiation ground for cult activities.
Items reportedly recovered from the premises included laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for rituals, identity documents and photographs, including one bearing the inscription, “Singapore ritualist.”
He said the demolition was intended to send a strong warning to criminals operating within the state.
“This building is going down to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements who are engaged in criminal activities in Edo State. We are warning them to leave the state or have themselves to be blamed as the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration will not tolerate them causing havoc in the state,” he said.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out criminal networks across communities, assuring residents that investigations into the case remain ongoing and that more coordinated security operations would continue across the state.
