Okpebholo orders demolition of houses linked to cultists, kidnappers in Edo

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, says his administration will not hesitate to demolish buildings linked to criminal activities in the state.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Fred Itua, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, said Okpebholo gave the directive when he supervised the demolition of a building used for internet fraud and kidnapping in the Ogheghe area of Benin City.

The building was reportedly used to hold victims against their will and were subjected to ritualistic practices.

The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing security in Edo, noted that the state government would demolish and repurpose any criminal hideouts to serve the community.

“I am saddened by what is happening here. Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. You can see the shrines in this apartment—this is wickedness in its highest form. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State,” the statement reads.

“We will continue to fight crime and criminality. Wherever they hide, we will fish them out and demolish their hideouts. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State. We are serious and resolute—Edo must be safe.

“We are going to build a police station here. Any land where such buildings are taken down will be used to serve the community.

“No stone will be left unturned, and no individual, regardless of their status, will be spared under the provisions of the cultism-related offenses law. We are determined to restore peace and order in Edo state.”

Itua added that the state government has demolished an operational base belonging to a notorious cult group, following recent killings in Benin City.

He said that the demolished building, located in Amagba GRA, was used for initiation rituals, noting that the action was carried out in line with a newly enacted anti-cultism law, signed by the governor, which empowers the state government to pull down properties linked to cult-related activities.

Itua added that Eterno Hotel, reportedly linked to another cult group believed to be behind recent killings in the area, has also been sealed off.