The Edo State Government has demolished several properties in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, after officials linked them to cult activities and other criminal operations.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the action follows a major raid on 17 November by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted alongside the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, during which 31 suspects were arrested and leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender.
With the deadline expired and no compliance from the wanted leaders, the government moved to pull down buildings where incriminating evidence was reportedly found.
Authorities say the demolition signals the administration’s firm resolve to combat cultism, kidnapping and related crimes.
The operation was supervised by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, working with the Uromi Divisional Police Officer, local vigilantes, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee and Army personnel. Idemudia Noah, coordinator of Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, said the properties will be taken over by the government for security operations.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, security personnel raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi and arrested 15 people found with illicit drugs.
The suspects have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling and further investigation. One of the arrested dealers, Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling marijuana with accomplices.
