… Vows relentless war on cultism in Edo
The Edo State Government has demolished a residential property in Aduwawa, Benin City, after it was linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate, despite the fact that the house belongs to a woman currently residing in Italy.
The house, located on College Road, was used by members of the gang as a base for planning and carrying out kidnappings.
Investigations revealed that the property is owned by the sister of Osamede Asemota, one of the key suspects now in police custody.
Asemota confessed to being involved in several abductions, including the kidnapping of a woman from her shop at Ramat Park, who was held in a forest along Agbor Road.
He said he received N350,000 from the ransom and admitted the gang often met at the house to coordinate operations.
“I feel very sad and confused at this development,” Asemota said. “The house belongs to my sister who lives in Italy. She’s been supportive, sending me money. I don’t know how she’ll feel when she hears about this.”
Another suspect, Michael Tare from Delta State, was also arrested. He admitted receiving N1 million from an earlier ransom and said he returned to Benin out of greed, which led to his arrest.
Authorities said the gang initially demanded N8 million from their victim, before later threatening her with another abduction if she failed to pay an additional N3 million.
Security officials said the demolition was part of an intensified effort to eliminate criminal hideouts across the state.
They described the move as both punitive and symbolic, aimed at deterring others involved in kidnapping.
Despite the owner’s apparent innocence and her absence from the country, the government maintained that properties linked to criminal operations would not be spared.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance stance on insecurity.
But the incident also underscores the wider consequences of criminality, where even those abroad may suffer losses due to the hidden actions of family members at home.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to stamp out cultism, declaring that no amount of threats or intimidation would weaken the resolve.
Addressing youths who staged a peaceful rally to the Government House in Benin City on Monday, the governor said the fight against cult-related violence is personal, noting that every life lost to cultism is a loss to the state.
“If I had been killed by cultists as a young man, I would not be standing before you today as governor,” he told the cheering crowd. “Every Edo life matters, and no amount of threat will deter us. This fight is total.”
Okpebholo warned that the reign of cultism threatens not only the safety of residents but also the future of the state. He stressed that insecurity would drive away investors and hinder development.
“Edo must be safe for all of us. If cult killings continue, investors will flee. We must cleanse our land and reclaim our future,” he said.
Justifying the demolition of a property linked to a suspected cultist, the governor stated that due process was followed, and his administration will not hesitate to take further lawful actions.
“We are not demolishing buildings at random. We follow due process and we are ready to do more. I am not afraid of them. Edo people are not afraid. This war is for the soul of our state.”
He praised the youths for their mobilisation and resolve, saying their support energises the administration’s campaign.
“These cultists are enemies of the state. They want to kill the dreams of our young people. But we will not stop. We will do all that must be done to end cultism in Edo State,” Okpebholo vowed.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Edo Chapter, Comrade Moses Aguinede Joseph, expressed full support for the governor’s actions.
He said the rally was the outcome of a youth summit held across the state’s three senatorial districts, where students and youth leaders agreed on urgent action against cultism and drug abuse.
“We are tired of losing our peers. We are tired of watching the future bleed. The governor has our backing, and we believe that with collective effort, we can bring this menace to an end,” Joseph said.
Also lending her voice, youth leader and human rights advocate, Comrade Precious Oruche, thanked the governor for his prompt intervention since assuming office.
“Before you came, cultism had become routine. Now, we are seeing action. We support every legal step you take,” she said, urging the police to exercise diligence in identifying actual perpetrators.
The rally marked a symbolic show of unity by Edo youths, who say they are determined
