The Edo State Government has demolished a building in Amagba, Benin City, linked to suspected cult members, as part of an intensified clampdown on cult-related violence across the state.

The property was identified as the location where two suspected members of the Aye confraternity were arrested, while five others reportedly escaped in connection with recent cult killings.

The demolition was executed by the Special Security Squad, code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State,” led by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor.

‘No One Is Above the Law’

Briefing journalists after the exercise, the squad’s spokesperson, Mr. Eribo Enwanta, said the state’s anti-cultism law would be enforced without compromise.

“The governor has given us a clear mandate, and we will execute it irrespective of who is involved. No one is bigger than the law,” Enwanta said.

He confirmed that suspects who fled the scene was identified as Koko, Enas, Sparol and others have been remain declared wanted, assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend them.

Okiagheles Respond to Ultimatum

Mr. Enwanta also disclosed that two of the three Okiagheles earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to present themselves before the squad have complied and are currently undergoing profiling.

However, he noted that the ultimatum remains in effect for the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ken Dada, warning that failure to honour the invitation would attract further legal action.

“The days are counting. If he fails to submit himself for questioning within the stipulated period, he will be declared wanted and the full weight of the law will be deployed,” he stated.

Residence Sealed, Interpol Engaged

In a related development, the squad sealed off a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin City described as the last known address of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly known as Baba Josh.

He is alleged to be a member of the Maphite confraternity and the mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.

According to Enwanta, intelligence reports indicate that the suspect has relocated to Canada, prompting the Edo State Government to involve Interpol in tracking and facilitating his return to Nigeria to face prosecution.

He further stated that properties linked to the suspect would remain sealed pending his appearance before authorities.

“We have involved Interpol and there will be no hiding place for anyone involved. Anyone who has a hand in killing in this state will face justice,” he said.

The squad reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate cultism, stressing that the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo would be fully implemented to restore security and public order across Edo State.

The statement was signed by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and dated February 19, 2026.