The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual-related activities and sealed another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of its ongoing campaign against criminal activities across the state.

The operation, conducted under the state government’s “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” involved personnel of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies operating under the supervision of senior security officials attached to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking during the exercise, Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barrister John Izegaegbe, said the action followed intelligence reports and preliminary findings from security investigations in the area.

According to him, one of the properties sealed at Ebhoijie, Uromi, was linked to an ongoing murder and alleged ritual-related investigation.

“We are here on the marching order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and upon arriving, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” Izegaegbe said.

He disclosed that security operatives discovered the decomposed body of a gateman, identified as Mildah Dalandi, inside the building. According to him, medical experts who examined the remains estimated that the body had been in the apartment for about one month before it was discovered.

Security officials said the body was found on June 2, 2026, after residents reportedly raised concerns over a strong odour emanating from the premises.

Izegaegbe stated that two suspects, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large and have been directed to report to the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command within 72 hours to assist ongoing investigations.

“The suspects are on the run, but we are giving them 72 hours to report themselves at the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command to clear themselves and enable further investigation into the matter,” he said.

Following the discovery, security agencies demolished a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street, Uromi, which officials alleged was connected to the suspects.

“This house will certainly be brought down as the government will not tolerate criminal elements in the state,” Izegaegbe stated.

He further alleged that investigations and 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 ritual purposes, identity documents and photographs, including one reportedly bearing the inscription, “Singapore ritualist.”

Izegaegbe said the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals involved in criminal activities across the state.

“This building is going down to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements who are engaged in criminal activities in Edo State. We are warning them to leave the state or have themselves to be blamed, as the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration will not tolerate them causing havoc in the state,” he said.

The Edo State Government said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening security across communities in the state.