Auchi, Edo State — In a major crackdown, Edo State security forces have arrested 20 suspected cultists and demolished four properties linked to cult activities in Etsako West Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, under “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” led by the Chief Security Officer at Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer. The properties razed include buildings on Egbiadokhai Street behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi, Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, and Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe.
One of the demolished houses, owned by a suspect known as “Too-Believe,” served as a meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity. At that property security agents recovered two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps linked to Black Axe, and a sharp axe. Another property belonging to a suspected Eiye Confraternity operative, “Kuwat,” was also destroyed; Kuwat is accused of being behind the killing of a local barber.
The demolition and arrests follow a 166-day grace period the Edo government granted to cult members to renounce their activities, which, according to security authorities, was largely ignored. The state’s Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025 provides for life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership, and imposes penalties for landlords who allow their properties to be used for cult meetings.
Security officials issued stern warnings to landlords, hotel owners, and community members, emphasizing that further violations would attract the full force of the law.
