… Moves to stem erosion, flooding as FEWMA inspects high-risk sites
The Edo State Government has demolished a building in Amagba allegedly linked to suspected cult members, as part of a renewed crackdown on violent cult activities across the state.
The property, where two members of the Aye confraternity were arrested while five others escaped in connection with recent cult-related killings, was pulled down by the Special Security Squad codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State,” led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Briefing journalists after the demolition, the Squad’s spokesperson, Mr Eribo Enwanta, said the state’s anti-cultism law would be strictly enforced to rid Edo of violent groups.
“The governor has given us a clear mandate and we will pursue it, no matter who is involved. No one is above the law.
Those who escaped and have been declared wanted, include Koko, Enas, Sparol and others remain wanted. We will arrest them to answer for the atrocities committed, especially Sparol,” he said.
On the directive for certain Okiagheles to submit themselves for scrutiny, Enwanta disclosed that two of the three invited had complied and were being profiled, while the seven-day ultimatum issued to the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ken Dada, was still running.
He warned that failure to honour the invitation would attract further action.
“When the seven days expire, we will take the necessary steps. The law must take its course,” he added.
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, alias Baba Josh, a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity and alleged mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.
Enwanta said intelligence reports indicated that the suspect had relocated to Canada, prompting the state government to involve Interpol to facilitate his arrest and extradition.
“All properties linked to him will remain sealed until he presents himself. There is no hiding place for anyone involved in cult killings.
“We have activated the necessary international channels and will ensure justice is served,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to end cult-related violence, stressing that the security agencies were working in close coordination to execute the governor’s directive.
Meanwhile, in a renewed push to confront worsening environmental challenges, the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA) has undertaken a comprehensive inspection of critical flood and erosion sites across Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.
The Chief Executive Officer of the agency and Project Coordinator of the Edo State NEWMAP-EIB, Hon. Mohammed Bawa Okoyomoh, led a technical team on the assessment tour, describing it as a strategic response to persistent gully erosion and seasonal flooding affecting several communities.
The inspection commenced in Etsako West Local Government Area, where the team visited high-risk locations including Sabo Iyakpi Road, Ogwode Judge Inni/Small London gully, Ovia River Road and Ibienafe.
At the various sites, the team identified a combination of factors driving erosion and flooding, notably inadequate drainage systems to intercept stormwater, loose sandy soils with little vegetation cover, and poorly terminated drainage channels.
Officials warned that these deficiencies have accelerated gully expansion, threatening roads, private properties and other critical infrastructure within the affected communities.
The exercise later moved to Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area, where drainages along major road networks such as Royal Market, Ihumudumu, G2, Ujuelen, Ukpenu and Opoji roads were technically evaluated.
Although drainage structures are in place, the team observed that years of isolation, structural damage and irregular maintenance have significantly reduced their hydraulic efficiency, heightening the risk of flooding.
Speaking during the inspection, Okoyomoh said the agency was determined to shift from temporary, reactive measures to long-term, sustainable solutions.
He explained that identifying root causes, whether linked to engineering gaps or soil vulnerabilities, would guide durable interventions capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and climate pressures.
He added that the initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which places priority on aggressive infrastructural development and the protection of lives and livelihoods across the state.
EdoFEWMA is expected to roll out a comprehensive intervention plan once final approvals are secured.
The strategy includes large-scale desilting of blocked waterways, rehabilitation of collapsed drainage sections and the introduction of a structured maintenance regime aimed at strengthening the state’s flood control capacity ahead of the peak rainy season.
