…15 suspects arrested with illicit drugs in separate raid
The Edo State Government has demolished several properties in Uromi allegedly used as cult bases, escalating its sweeping crackdown on kidnapping, cultism and violent crime across the state.
The update is contained in a statement signed by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, who confirmed that the demolitions followed a major joint security operation carried out on 17 November. During that raid, 31 suspects were arrested while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities—accused of orchestrating the deadly clash in Uromi on 16 November—were given seven days to surrender.
With the ultimatum now expired and the wanted leaders failing to turn themselves in, security operatives moved to pull down buildings where incriminating items were reportedly uncovered. Officials described the action as a decisive step in dismantling criminal hideouts across Esan North-East.
The demolition exercise was led by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, supported by the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Idemudia Noah, coordinator of Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, said the government acted after the suspects ignored both the ultimatum and an extended grace period.
“These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them. This should be a warning to landlords—properly profile your tenants,” he warned, noting that the seized properties will be taken over by the state for use as operational bases.
Noah reaffirmed the administration’s determination to eradicate criminality.
“We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law,” he said.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, security personnel raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi and arrested 15 suspects after illicit drugs were found in their possession. They have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, further investigation and prosecution.
Officials said the drug hub had long served as a magnet for hoodlums, cultists and kidnappers. One of the suspects, identified as marijuana dealer Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling drugs alongside two others in the densely populated area.
The latest actions reflect the State government’s heightened resolve to dismantle the criminal networks destabilising communities, while signalling that property owners who harbour offenders will face the full force of the law.
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