The Edo State Government has escalated its fight against cultism and violent gangs, sealing off shrines and declaring alleged cult leaders wanted following deadly clashes.
In a targeted operation dubbed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” security operatives raided a shrine in Egbaen community, Egor Local Government Area, on Wednesday morning.
The site, found empty, contained a white casket and fetish items believed to be used for cult initiation rituals.
Authorities promptly sealed the property, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on the infrastructure supporting cult activities.
The operation was spurred by a violent clash in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where rival cults, Eiye and Maphite, engaged in a deadly dispute, resulting in the death of a man identified as Festus.
The residence of Felix Aigbedion, an alleged Maphite leader accused of orchestrating the attack, was sealed, and he has been declared wanted.
Security forces also recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house used as a makeshift armoury by cultists.
The clash left homes, vehicles, and streets riddled with bullet marks, displacing families.
Idemudia Noah, the operation’s coordinator, emphasized Governor Monday Okpebholo’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks, warning cultists to “renounce or leave Edo State” or face severe legal consequences.
Investigations further revealed evidence of extortion, including forced money transfers during initiation rituals, highlighting the broader criminal activities of these groups.
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