… Arrest 15 with illicit drugs in separate raid

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Edo State Government has begun demolishing properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism and other criminal acts across the state.

The action followed a major security raid by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies on November 17, 2025. During that operation, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities, accused of orchestrating the violent clash in Uromi on 16 November, were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender.

With the expiry of the ultimatum and no compliance from the wanted cult leaders, the government moved to pull down buildings where officials said incriminating evidence had been uncovered. Authorities described the demolition as a clear signal of the administration’s resolve to stamp out criminality.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, said in a statement that the operation was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

Coordinator of the security outfit codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, Noah Idemudia, said the demolition became necessary after the suspects failed to take advantage of both the ultimatum and an extended grace period.

“This demolition exercise should serve as a warning to landlords and property owners in Uromi to properly profile their tenants. These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them,” he said.

He added that the affected properties will now be taken over by the Edo State Government for use as operational bases.

Noah reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to eliminating cultism, kidnapping and all forms of criminality, saying, “We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law.”

In a separate operation based on credible intelligence, the squad raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi and arrested 15 persons after illicit drugs were discovered in their possession. The suspects have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, further investigation and eventual prosecution.

Noah explained that drug peddling in the area had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists and kidnappers.

“We received information from our colleagues in Uromi on the ongoing illicit drug trade, which promotes nefarious activities. We swung into action and arrested both sellers and buyers,” he said.

One of the arrested suspects, a marijuana dealer identified as Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling drugs alongside two others in the Hausa quarters.