Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern ultimatum to cultists, kidnappers, and other criminals to leave the state immediately or face the full force of the law.
The declaration followed the demolition of a bungalow in Egbaen Community, Upper Siluko Road, Egor Local Government Area, which had served as a base for cult initiation and ritual practices.
The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, carried out the demolition in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.
Idemudia Noah, Coordinator of the squad, confirmed that the property was linked to Marvelous Adetarami, a leader of the Maphite cult group, who had turned the building into a shrine and meeting place for illegal activities.
He explained that despite an earlier government order sealing the building, intelligence reports showed the suspects had resumed operations at night, prompting the demolition.
Local residents welcomed the move, saying they had lived in fear for months. Many expressed relief that a major source of insecurity had been dismantled.
Mr Noah stressed that the state, under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, would not tolerate criminality. He warned cultists and kidnappers that Edo would no longer serve as a safe haven.
He added that law enforcement agencies had summoned the key suspect for questioning, though he had yet to appear.
Urging vigilance, Mr Noah encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities, assuring them that community cooperation would help sustain peace and security in Edo State.