GOVERNOR Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has intensified his administration’s crackdown on cultism by sealing more properties linked to suspected cult leaders across the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the action, carried out under the ongoing security initiative tagged “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, was executed on Thursday in collaboration with security agencies and coordinated by Idemudia Noah, head of the special task force.
During the operation in Egbaen community, Egor Local Government Area, the team stormed a building where they discovered a white casket and several fetish items allegedly used for initiation rituals.
The building, believed to be a hub for cult activities, was immediately sealed to prevent further use.
Similarly, in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where a violent cult clash recently claimed the life of a young man identified as Festus, the residence of an alleged Maphite cult leader, Mr. Felix Aigbedion, was also sealed.
Speaking after the operation, the task force coordinator, Idemudia Noah, revealed that many residents had fled Evboyare following the bloody confrontation.
He further disclosed that security operatives recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house in the community during the raid.
According to Noah, the latest action reflects the seriousness of Governor Okpebholo’s administration in confronting cultism and related crimes.
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to purge Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates.
“We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, who has been implicated in the fatal clash at Evboyare, as well as the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered.
These measures are not symbolic. They are a clear statement that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary in Edo State,” Noah declared.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over cult-related killings and criminal activities in Edo, with communities repeatedly being thrown into turmoil by violent clashes.
Governor Okpebholo has consistently reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for cultism, warning that his government will not hesitate to deploy both legal and security measures to stamp out the menace.
The security task force has pledged that more operations will follow in the coming days as intelligence continues to expose hideouts and safe houses allegedly used by cult groups across the state.