Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a blunt ultimatum to cultists, kidnappers and criminal gangs to vacate the State or be crushed by the full weight of the law.
The governor’s warning came on Friday after the demolition of a notorious building in Egbaen Community, along Upper Siluko Road in Egor Local Government Area, which had served as a base for cult initiation rites and ritual practices.
The operation was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, in collaboration with security agencies and local stakeholders.
According to the squad’s coordinator, Idemudia Noah, the building was linked to Marvelous Adetarami, a suspected leader of the Maphite cult group, who had turned the bungalow into a shrine and meeting ground for criminal activities.
“We were here some days ago to seal up this building following allegations of cultism, ritual practices and other nefarious activities. But intelligence confirmed the suspects resumed their clandestine meetings at night, prompting today’s demolition,” Idemudia told journalists at the scene.
The move has been hailed by residents, who said they had lived in fear for months. “Neighbours and community members are joyous seeing the building pulled down, as they have lived in fear following the suspect’s activities,” Idemudia added.
Governor Okpebholo vowed to sustain the clampdown, stressing that Edo would no longer serve as a safe haven for crime. “Hard times await anyone perpetrating criminal activities across the State,” he declared.
Security agencies have since invited Adetarami for questioning, though he has yet to honour the summons. Authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring them of government’s commitment to restoring peace and security across Edo.
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