The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities and sealed another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of its ongoing campaign against crime and criminal networks across the state.
The operation was carried out under the state’s “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists” initiative by the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies under the supervision of senior security officials attached to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking during the exercise, the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaegbe, said the action followed intelligence reports and investigations conducted in the area.
“We are here on the marching order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and on getting here, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” Izegaegbe said.
According to him, investigations revealed that a building located at Ebhoijie-Uromi was connected to the discovery of a decomposed body identified as Mildah Dalandi, the property’s gateman.
“It was further discovered, according to medical experts, that the body found in the building had been decomposing for about one month,” he stated.
Security operatives said the body was discovered on June 2, 2026, after residents raised concerns over a persistent foul odour emanating from the premises.
Izegaegbe disclosed that two suspects, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large. He said the authorities have given them 72 hours to report to either the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or the Area Command to assist with ongoing investigations.
Following the discovery, security agencies demolished a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street, Uromi, which authorities alleged was linked to the suspects.
“This house will certainly be brought down as the government will not tolerate criminal elements in the state,” Izegaegbe said.
He further alleged that evidence recovered from the property suggested it was being used as an initiation ground for members of a cult group.
According to him, items recovered from the premises included laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for rituals, identity documents, and photographs, including one bearing the inscription “Singapore ritualist.”
Izegaegbe said the demolition was intended to serve as a warning to criminal elements operating within the state.
“This building is going down to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements engaged in criminal activities in Edo State. We are warning them to leave the state or face the consequences, as the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration will not tolerate anyone causing havoc in the state,” he said.
The Edo State Government reiterated that investigations into the case are ongoing and assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across communities would continue.
The statement was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, on Tuesday.
