The Edo State Government has intensified its fight against cultism and violent gangs, sealing shrines and declaring suspected leaders wanted following deadly clashes in the state.
In a coordinated operation tagged “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, security operatives raided Egbaen community in Egor Local Government Area on Wednesday, where they uncovered a hidden shrine containing a white casket and fetish objects allegedly used for initiation rites. The compound was deserted, but the property was immediately sealed.
Officials said the action signaled the government’s resolve to dismantle both the spiritual and physical structures that sustain cult groups.
The crackdown came after a violent clash between rival confraternities — the Eiye and Maphite groups — in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode LGA, which left one man, identified as Festus, dead.
Authorities have since sealed the residence of Felix Aigbedion, alleged to be a Maphite leader accused of orchestrating the attack. He has been declared wanted.
During the operation, security forces also recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house reportedly used as an improvised armoury. The confrontation left several houses and vehicles riddled with bullet holes, forcing families to flee the area.
Operation coordinator Idemudia Noah said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration would stop at nothing to uproot cultism. He warned: “Cultists must renounce or leave Edo State, or face the full weight of the law.”
Investigators also uncovered evidence of extortion during initiation ceremonies, including reports of victims being forced to transfer money under duress.
