The Edo State Government on Thursday pulled down a building in Amagba, Benin City, where two suspected members of the Aye confraternity were apprehended, while five others reportedly fled the scene.

The demolition followed a series of cult-related killings recorded in the state.

Confirmation of the exercise was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele.

The operation was executed by the Special Security Squad, code-named Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State, under the leadership of the Governor’s Principal Security Officer.

Addressing journalists after the demolition, the squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, stressed that the state’s anti-cultism legislation would be strictly implemented to eradicate cult activities.

“The governor has given us a clear mandate, and we will carry it out regardless of who is involved. No individual is above the law. We have acted accordingly by demolishing this property,” he said.

He added that suspects who escaped during the raid and have since been declared wanted remain on the run. “Koko, Enas, Sparol, and others are still wanted, and we will ensure they are apprehended to answer for their crimes, particularly Sparol,” he stated.

On the youth leaders, known as Okiagheles, who were summoned for questioning, Enwanta disclosed that two of the three had honoured the invitation and were currently being profiled. However, the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, had yet to appear.

He issued a warning, saying the seven-day ultimatum given to Dada to report for questioning was still in effect. He cautioned that once the deadline expires, further action would be taken if he fails to comply.

“For his own interest, he should submit himself for questioning. If he refuses, he will be declared wanted, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear,” Enwanta warned.

In a related development, the security squad sealed a house in Upper Uwa, Benin City, identified as the last known residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, popularly known as Baba Josh. He is alleged to be a member of the Maphite Confraternity and a financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.

Enwanta revealed that intelligence reports suggested Akhiombare had relocated to Canada, prompting the authorities to involve Interpol to track him down and ensure he faces prosecution.

He further stated that all properties linked to the suspects would remain sealed pending their surrender. According to him, Akhiombare allegedly placed a N1 million bounty on the victim and provided funds for the weapons used in the attack.

“We have engaged Interpol, and there will be no safe haven for him or his accomplices. Anyone involved in murder in this state will be pursued relentlessly,” he said, adding that the government would not be deterred in its resolve to end cult-related violence.

It would be recalled that in January 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025. The legislation introduced stringent penalties aimed at tackling cultism, including capital punishment for cult-related killings.

Under the law, sponsors of cult activities face up to 21 years in prison, while landlords or school proprietors who knowingly harbour cultists risk a 10-year jail term and demolition of their properties.

Other key provisions include the death penalty for cult-related murders, 21-year imprisonment for active members and financiers, as well as 10-year sentences and property forfeiture for those who allow their premises to be used for cult operations.