War Against Cultism: Edo Govt Seals Suspected Cultists Properties

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has launched “operation flush out cultists” which led to sealing of several properties linked to suspected cult leaders after uncovering a shrine in Egbaen community and a deadly clash in Evboyare that claimed one life.

According to reports, the operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” was led by Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the state’s Special Security Squad, in collaboration with allied security agencies.

Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Although the building was vacant, a secluded shrine was found behind the house containing a white casket and fetish objects believed to have been used for initiation rites and other illicit activities. The state government immediately ordered the premises sealed.

Simultaneously, security forces moved into Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where a violent confrontation between rival confraternity, the Eiye and Maphite groups, had left one man, identified as Festus, dead.

The residence of Felix Aigbedion, alleged leader of the Maphite group and prime suspect in the attack, was also sealed after intelligence reports implicated him in orchestrating the violence. He has since been declared wanted.

According to the coordinator, when operatives arrived, the community bore heavy signs of destruction, with homes, vehicles, and personal belongings  damaged, while spent cartridges littered the ground, reflecting the terror residents endured and forcing many to flee.

Investigators also recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house believed to have served as an improvised armoury for the cult group.

Noah reaffirmed the state’s uncompromising stance against cultism, warning that no hideout would be spared.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is determined to rid Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates.

“We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, implicated in the Evboyare clash, as well as the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered.

“These actions are not symbolic—they send a clear message that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary in Edo State,” he said