By Staff Reporter.
The Edo State Government has demolished two buildings allegedly used for ritual activities and cult-related operations in Uromi and Ewatto, following the arrest of two suspects in a renewed crackdown on crime across the state.
The operation, carried out by the state’s special security squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, was conducted in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies under the supervision of the governor’s Principal Security Officer.
One of the demolished properties, a bungalow and boys’ quarters located at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, allegedly belonged to 40-year-old Ebhata Eromosele, who was arrested over alleged ritual activities and organ harvesting.
According to security officials, the suspect allegedly attacked three young women in separate incidents, resulting in the death of one victim, while the other two survived. One of the survivors has reportedly been discharged from the hospital, while the other is still receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital within the senatorial district.
Speaking to journalists after the operation in Uromi and Ewatto, the coordinator of Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the demolition was part of the state government’s determination to rid Edo of criminal elements.
Idemudia alleged that Eromosele used the property for ritual activities before his arrest.
He explained that the investigation was intensified after a lifeless body was reportedly traced to the bungalow by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps.
According to him, a search of the premises allegedly uncovered bloodstained bed coverings and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
He said the operation was in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state.
“The government will not rest until the state is safe for all,” Idemudia said, warning that properties identified by security agencies as being used to facilitate criminal activities could face demolition.
Second Building Demolished in Ewatto
In a related operation, security operatives demolished another building at Idi-Negbon Eguare, Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area, over alleged links to cult-related activities.
Idemudia said the property was allegedly associated with Bright Ejetuwamen, whom he accused of being at the forefront of cult-related violence in the community.
He explained that the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals using their properties to promote cultism and other criminal activities.
The coordinator reiterated that the state government would continue to take action against criminal hideouts and facilities allegedly used to perpetrate violence.
Security Corps Cites Month-Long Surveillance
The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd.), attributed the arrest of Eromosele to more than a month of surveillance by security operatives.
Oyameda said the surveillance followed reports of the recovery of mutilated bodies in the area, including a woman whose body was allegedly found in a drainage.
He explained that subsequent incidents prompted security operatives to intensify monitoring around the community.
According to him, operatives eventually tracked Eromosele to the bungalow following observations made during the surveillance operation.
Oyameda further alleged that the suspect was linked to three ritual attacks, one of which reportedly resulted in a victim’s death, while the other two victims survived.
He said the search of the property allegedly yielded bloodstained bed coverings and other items that investigators believe could assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Suspects in Police Custody
The two suspects, identified as Ebhata Eromosele and Bright Ejetuwamen, have reportedly been arrested and are being held by the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes and other security threats, warning that individuals found to be involved in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
The allegations against the suspects are subject to police investigation and judicial determination.
