Edo State Government Shuts Shrines, Declares Cult Leaders Wanted

The Edo State Government has intensified its efforts to combat cultism and violent gangs, shutting down shrines and issuing wanted notices for alleged leaders following deadly clashes across the state.

In a coordinated operation named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, security operatives discovered a shrine in Egbaen community, Egor Local Government Area, during a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday. Although the compound was deserted, investigators found a concealed shrine containing a white casket and fetish items believed to be used for initiation ceremonies.

The security team promptly sealed the property, emphasizing that the government would no longer permit the spiritual and physical structures that support cult networks.

The crackdown came after a violent clash in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where rival cult groups, the Eiye and Maphite, engaged in a dispute that resulted in the death of a man identified as Festus.

Authorities subsequently sealed the home of Felix Aigbedion, an alleged Maphite leader accused of orchestrating the attack. He has since been declared a wanted person.

Security forces also seized two locally made firearms from a poultry house identified as a makeshift armoury for cultists. The clash left homes, vehicles, and streets marked with bullet holes and destruction, forcing families to flee.

Speaking after the operation, the coordinator Idemudia Noah said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration was committed to dismantling criminal networks. He warned that cultists must “renounce or leave Edo State” or face the full weight of the law.

Investigators also uncovered evidence of extortion during initiation rituals, including coerced money transfers from victims.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli