Security operatives in Edo State have arrested 20 suspected cultists and demolished four houses linked to their activities in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the operation in a statement on Friday, noting that it was led by the Chief Security Officer of Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer.
“About twenty suspects were arrested during the operations, and four houses were demolished, including a building located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi owned by a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe,” the statement said.
The building, described as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, was said to have yielded shocking evidence. Two cut-to-size guns, two Black Axe berets, and a sharp axe were recovered.
Another house demolished on Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belonged to a suspected Eiye cultist called Kuwat, who reportedly masterminded the recent killing of a barber. He escaped before security agents arrived.
A third property in Ogodomiza, Ibie-Nafe, linked to another cult leader, was also pulled down. Police had earlier arrested two young men, 17-year-old Momoh Austin and 21-year-old Joseph Oyazojo, in the house. They allegedly confessed they were brought to the area for cybercrime, known locally as Yahoo Yahoo.
Security agents also raided Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where additional suspects were arrested.
Speaking after the exercise at Egbiadokhai Street, the Secretary of the State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the government had given cultists a chance to repent.
“The Governor gave 166 days of grace to all cultists to renounce, offering soft loans and skills training. That window was ignored. Now, desperate times call for desperate action. This demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law,” Izegaegbe said.
The government explained that the operation was carried out under the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership. The law also mandates 10 years in prison, plus demolition, for landlords who allow cult meetings in their property.
