Edo State Government Issues Ultimatum to Community Leaders Amid Anti-Cult Operations

Urbanscoopnews reporting

Benin City, Nigeria — February 16, 2026

The Edo State Government (EDSG) has given three community youth leaders, known locally as Okiagheles, seven days to present themselves before the Special Security Squad, code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” following a surge in cult-related violence across Benin City. The Okiaghele of Obazagbon Community, Innocent Okunozee, reportedly a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, is currently in custody, while the Okiagheles of Obagie, Ofumwengbe, and Ara communities have been ordered to report to Government House to clarify their alleged involvement in the ongoing investigations.

The Special Security Squad, under the leadership of the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, recently conducted coordinated raids in Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area and Obagie Community in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms and live ammunition. During a raid at a residence on Yuwa Kokoma Street in Amagba GRA, suspected Black Axe members Osazee Omoruyi, also known as “Demond Tutu,” and Osahon Anito were apprehended. Preliminary investigations have linked several Okiagheles and five fleeing suspects to recent cult-related killings in the state.

Authorities recovered weapons and live ammunition from a Toyota Highlander jeep driven by the community’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Godspower Obayuwana, who is a relative of Okunozee. Five other individuals, identified by their aliases as Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol, and Dada, have been declared wanted in connection with cult activities. The government has urged citizens with credible information to assist law enforcement in locating the suspects.

Omoruyi admitted to being an internet fraudster and a member of the Black Axe confraternity since 2012 but denied involvement in the recent killings. He stated that an individual named Doviani had brought a Lexus SUV, allegedly used in the attacks, along with firearms, live ammunition, and photographs to his residence on February 15. Authorities have since recovered the vehicle and weapons.

Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Mr. John Eshekiagbe, emphasized that, under the coordination of the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, further arrests and prosecutions will continue as investigations proceed. The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime, assuring citizens that sustained security operations will continue until peace and stability are fully restored across Edo State.

The report was issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, on Monday, February 16, 2026.