Suspected Ritualist Buildings Demolished, Another Sealed in Edo
The Edo State Government has intensified its campaign against crime with the demolition of a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities and the sealing of another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. The action forms part of the state’s ongoing security initiative tagged Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.
The operation was carried out 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. Authorities said the exercise was aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in security across the state.
Speaking during the operation, Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barrister John Izegaegbe, said the intervention followed intelligence reports and investigations conducted by security operatives in the area. According to him, findings at the location pointed to serious criminal activities.
Izegaegbe disclosed that one of the properties sealed at Ebhoijie-Uromi became the focus of investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body. He described the case as involving both ritual activities and murder, stressing that security agencies acted based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
According to security officials, the body recovered from the building was identified as that of the property’s gateman, Mildah Dalandi. Medical experts reportedly determined that the corpse had been decomposing inside the apartment for about one month before it was discovered.
The grim discovery was made on June 2, 2026, after residents in the neighbourhood raised concerns over a persistent foul odour emanating from the building. The alarm prompted security operatives to investigate the property, leading to the recovery of the body and further discoveries.
Authorities identified two suspects, Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, as persons of interest in the case. Izegaegbe revealed that both suspects are currently on the run and have been given 72 hours to report to either the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or the Area Command to assist with ongoing investigations.
Following further investigations, security personnel demolished a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street in Uromi, which was allegedly linked to the suspects. Officials maintained that the action was necessary to send a strong message that criminal activities would not be tolerated under the current administration.
Security operatives also claimed to have recovered several items from the property, including laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, identity documents, photographs, and a red-coloured liquid suspected to have been used for ritual purposes. One of the photographs reportedly bore the inscription “Singapore ritualist,” further raising suspicions about activities carried out on the premises.
The Edo State Government said the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements operating in the state. Authorities reiterated that investigations remain ongoing and assured residents that efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in criminal activities would continue as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities across Edo State.