Suspected Ritualist Property Demolished, Another Sealed in Edo State as Security Clampdown Intensifies

Uromi, Esan North-East LGA, Edo State – June 16, 2026

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Edo State Government has intensified its security enforcement operations with the demolition of a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities, alongside the sealing of another property in Uromi as part of an ongoing statewide crackdown on violent crime.

The operation, conducted under the directive of the “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists” initiative, involved personnel of the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other allied security agencies working under the supervision of senior officials attached to the administration of Monday Okpebholo.

According to the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, the enforcement action followed intelligence-led investigations and on-ground verification in the affected community.

He stated that the team acted on “marching orders” from the state government, adding that preliminary findings pointed to the discovery of a suspected ritual and homicide-related incident within one of the properties.

Security sources confirmed that a decomposing body identified as that of a gateman, reportedly named Mildah Dalandi, was discovered inside one of the apartments on June 2, 2026, after residents raised alarm over a persistent foul odour in the vicinity. Medical assessments reportedly indicated that the body had been in a state of decomposition for approximately one month.

Authorities further disclosed that two suspects, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large. The security team has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the individuals to report themselves to the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or the Area Command to assist ongoing investigations.

Following the discovery, operatives proceeded to demolish a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street in Uromi, which was allegedly linked to the suspects. Officials said the decision was informed by additional intelligence connecting the property to suspected criminal activities.

Barr. Izegaegbe further alleged that recovered materials from the premises—including laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, suspected ritual substances, identity documents, and photographs—suggested the building may have been used for cult-related initiation activities. One of the recovered images reportedly bore the inscription “Singapore ritualist.”

He emphasized that the action was intended as a deterrent, warning that the state government would not tolerate criminal networks operating within its jurisdiction. He added that such properties would continue to be identified and acted upon as part of broader efforts to restore public safety and order.

The Edo State Government reiterated that investigations are ongoing and assured residents of sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates across communities in the state.

The development was formally conveyed in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to security enforcement and public safety.