By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Edo State Government has intensified its clampdown on cultism, ritual practices, and criminal gangs, sealing several properties linked to suspected cult leaders and uncovering a shrine during a statewide operation.
The exercise, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, was conducted on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, by a joint taskforce led by the operation’s coordinator, Idemudia Noah, in collaboration with security agencies.
Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, where a search revealed a secluded shrine behind the building. The shrine contained a white casket and other fetish items believed to have been used for initiation rituals. Although the premises were unoccupied, the government immediately ordered the property sealed, underscoring its resolve to dismantle the structures supporting cultism across the state.
In a parallel move, security forces raided Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where a violent clash between rival confraternities—the Eiye and Maphite groups—had claimed the life of a young man identified as Festus. Intelligence linked the crisis to alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, whose residence was sealed. He has since been declared wanted by authorities.
By the time operatives arrived, Evboyare bore scars of the confrontation: destroyed homes, burnt vehicles, and spent cartridges scattered across the streets. Two locally made firearms were also recovered from a poultry house, which investigators described as a makeshift armory for cultists.
Speaking after the operation, Noah reaffirmed the government’s uncompromising stance.
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to purge Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates,” he said. “We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, implicated in the Evboyare clash, as well as the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was discovered. These measures are not symbolic—they are a clear warning that clandestine activities will no longer find refuge in Edo State.”
He disclosed that investigators had also uncovered disturbing evidence of extortion during initiation rites, including the forced transfer of money from victims to cultists. According to him, the police have been fully briefed and prosecutions are underway.
Noah issued a stern warning to cultists and criminal gangs operating across the state:
“Cultists have only two options: renounce or leave Edo State. The full weight of the law will descend on anyone who persists. This government is committed to securing Edo for its people and ensuring peace, stability, and a safe environment for commerce and community life.”
The renewed offensive marks one of the strongest signals yet from the Edo State Government that it intends to uproot the networks—both physical and spiritual—that have sustained cult groups in recent years.
