The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on cultism and violent gangs by sealing shrines and declaring alleged cult leaders wanted following bloody clashes in the state.
In a coordinated operation named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” security operatives raided a shrine in Egbaen community, Egor Local Government Area.
Though the compound was empty, investigators discovered a hidden shrine containing a white casket and fetish items believed to be used for initiation rituals.
The property was promptly sealed as the government vowed not to tolerate the spiritual and physical infrastructure supporting cult networks.
The crackdown was triggered by a violent clash between rival confraternities, the Eiye and Maphite, in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of a man named Festus.
Authorities sealed the residence of Felix Aigbedion, an alleged Maphite leader accused of orchestrating the assault, who has been declared wanted.
Security forces also recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house suspected to be an improvised armory used by cultists.
The clash caused significant damage, leaving homes, vehicles, and streets marked by bullet holes and forcing families to flee.
Idemudia Noah, the operation’s coordinator, stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is resolute in dismantling criminal syndicates and issued a stern warning to cultists to either renounce their activities or leave Edo State, or face the full weight of the law.
Investigations further revealed evidence of extortion tied to initiation rituals, including forced money transfers from victims, highlighting the wider criminal networks operating within the state.
