Edo State demolishes Uromi cult properties and arrests 15 over drugs in a major crackdown on crime and cultism
The Edo State Government has commenced demolition of properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities across the state.
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The operation followed a major raid on 17 November 2025 by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Thirty-one suspects were arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities, accused of orchestrating violent clashes in Uromi on 16 November, were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender.
With the ultimatum expired, authorities demolished buildings where incriminating evidence was reportedly found.
The action was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, 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 demolition was necessary due to non-compliance by the suspects.
“This demolition exercise should serve as a warning to landlords and property owners in Uromi to properly profile their tenants. These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them,” he stated.
The properties will now be repurposed by the state government as operational bases.
In a separate raid in the Hausa quarters of Uromi, 15 persons were arrested for possession of illicit drugs.
Noah said drug peddling had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists, and kidnappers in the area. One suspect, Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling marijuana alongside two others.
The suspects are now in custody at the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, investigation, and prosecution.
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Noah reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to eliminate cultism, kidnapping, and criminality, stating: “We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law.”
