The Edo State Government has demolished a building in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities, as part of an ongoing security crackdown in the state.
Another property in the area was also sealed during the operation, which officials say is aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public safety.
The exercise was carried out under the state’s “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” involving the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies working under the supervision of senior officials attached to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the operation followed intelligence reports and field investigations that led security operatives to the affected properties.
Speaking during the demolition, the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, said the action was triggered by disturbing findings linked to the property in Ebhoijie-Uromi.
“We are here on the order of Governor Monday Okpebholo and, on getting here, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” he said.
Izegaegbe further disclosed that a decomposed body was discovered inside one of the apartments during the investigation.
“It was further discovered, according to medical experts, that the body found in the building, which is the body of their gatekeeper, identified as Mildah Dalandi, had been decomposing for about one month in the apartment,” he added.
He explained that the body was discovered on June 2, 2026, after residents raised alarm over a strong odour coming from the building.
Security sources said two suspects identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright are currently on the run, adding that they have been given a 72-hour ultimatum to surrender themselves to the police in Uromi.
“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 said.
He also alleged that the property was being used for cult-related initiation activities.
“Information brought us here as the property belongs to the same suspects, and evidence has shown that this building is used as an initiation ground for new members into the confraternity,” he stated.
Items reportedly recovered from the premises include laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for ritual purposes, identity documents, and photographs, one of which allegedly bore the inscription “Singapore ritualist.”
The state government reiterated that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that security operations targeting criminal hideouts would continue across communities in Edo State.
