The Edo State Government has demolished a house in Amagba, Oredo Local Government Area, allegedly linked to suspected cult members connected to recent killings in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Benin, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, disclosed that seven individuals have been implicated in the wave of cult-related violence.
According to him, two suspected members of the Aye confraternity have been arrested, while five others are currently at large.
Ebojele explained that the demolition exercise was executed by a special security task force known as “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo,” headed by the governor’s Principal Security Officer.
He emphasized that the state’s anti-cultism law would be strictly enforced to eliminate cult activities across Edo.
“Governor Okpebholo has given that mandate and it must be followed thoroughly, no matter who is involved.
“No one is above the law. Those who escaped arrest have been declared wanted,” he said.
The statement further revealed that operatives of the special squad also sealed a building in the Upper Uwa area of Benin, believed to be the last known residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly called Baba Josh.
“The Special Security Squad also sealed off a residence at Upper Uwa area of Benin, the last known residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh.
“Joshua, is a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity, and mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road,” he said.
