The Edo State Government has demolished properties allegedly linked to ritual activities and cult-related crimes as part of its intensified campaign against criminality in the state.
The demolitions were carried out on Wednesday by the Edo State Special Security Squad, alongside the police and other security agencies, following the arrest of two suspects.
One of the demolished properties was a bungalow and four boys’ quarters located in Uwalor-Oke, Uromi, within the Esan Central Senatorial District.
The buildings were allegedly used by a suspected ritualist, Ebhata Eromosele.
Another property linked to cult-related activities was demolished in Ewatto.
It reportedly belonged to Bright Ejetuwamen, who was identified by security officials as a key figure in a cult-related crisis in the community.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the state government was committed to eliminating criminal activities.
According to him, Eromosele was allegedly involved in attacks on three young women, one of whom died.
Another victim, who was hospitalised, has been discharged, while the third remains under medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
Idemudia said security operatives recovered a bloodstained bedspread and other items suspected to be evidence of criminal activity during a search of the bungalow.
“A lifeless body that was killed and dumped was traced by the Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect.
“A search of the residence exposed the suspect, as security operatives saw a bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence indicating that Ebhata was involved in ritual activities and organ harvesting,” Idemudia said.
He added that Governor Monday Okpebholo had issued a warning that his administration would not tolerate such crimes.
On the demolition in Ewatto, Idemudia said the property belonged to Ejetuwamen, whom he accused of playing a leading role in the community’s cult-related crisis.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or property used to perpetrate crime, as such structures will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State,” he said.
The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (retd.), disclosed that Eromosele’s arrest followed more than a month of surveillance by security operatives.
He explained that investigations intensified after the discovery of a mutilated woman’s body in a drainage.
Another similar incident was reported less than two weeks later, prompting security personnel to step up their monitoring activities.
Oyameda said the operatives eventually tracked Eromosele to the bungalow after suspecting his involvement in the incidents.
“Ebhata Eromosele murdered a lady and dumped the body, but my men on surveillance saw him and trailed him to this apartment, which was demolished on Wednesday,” he said.
He further stated that three women were allegedly attacked in separate incidents, resulting in one death. Of the two survivors, one has been discharged from the hospital, while the other is still receiving treatment.
Oyameda confirmed that both suspects had been arrested and were being held by the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
