■ Security squad demolishes building used for initiations
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern ultimatum to cultists, kidnappers and criminal elements to vacate the state immediately or face the full wrath of the law.
The warning came as the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders, demolished a building in Egbaen Community, Upper Siluko Road, Egor Local Government Area, used for cult initiation rites and ritual practices.
Coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, disclosed that the building belonged to one Marvelous Adetarami, a suspected leader of the Maphite cult group, who had converted the bungalow into a shrine and meeting point for nefarious activities.
“We were here some days ago to seal this building following allegations of cultism and ritual practices. But despite sealing, intelligence confirmed that Adetarami and his members resumed their meetings at night,” Noah told journalists.
He explained that credible information forced the government to take the decisive step of pulling down the building.
Residents, who had lived in fear for months, welcomed the demolition, describing it as a huge relief.
Idemudia stressed that Edo State under Governor Okpebholo will remain unsafe for criminality.
“There is no hiding place for them. Edo is no longer a safe haven for crime,” he said, urging citizens to report suspicious activities.
Security agencies, he added, have invited the suspect for questioning, though he is yet to honour the invitation
