The Edo State Government has demolished a building in the Amagba area of Oredo Local Government Area over its alleged link to recent cult-related killings in the state.
The government said the demolished structure was connected to two suspected members of the Aye Confraternity, who were recently arrested by security operatives. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin City by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele.
According to Ebojele, investigations into the cult violence have so far linked seven individuals to the killings. He revealed that while two suspects have been arrested, five others have fled and have now been declared wanted by security agencies.
He explained that the demolition exercise was carried out by a Special Security Squad code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo,” which is led by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor.
Ebojele said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains resolute in enforcing the state’s anti-cultism law to its fullest extent, stressing that no individual would be shielded from accountability.
“The governor has given a clear mandate, and it must be followed thoroughly, no matter who is involved. No one is above the law,” he stated, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The spokesperson further disclosed that the Special Security Squad also sealed a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin City, identified as the last known residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly known as Baba Josh.
Joshua is alleged to be a member of the Maphite Confraternity and is suspected to be the mastermind and financier of a recent killing at Wire Road. Investigations, he said, are continuing as the government intensifies its crackdown on cult-related activities across the state.
