Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
Again, the Edo State Government demolished two buildings allegedly used for cult-related activities and kidnappings in the State.
The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo who personally supervised the demolition of the buildings said one of the buildings allegedly served as an operational base to cult-related activities in the state.
Okpebholo said the facilities are located at the end of Arena Street in Amagba, Government Reservation Area and Ogheghe area of the State capital.
He alleged that one of the buildings belonged to a notorious cult group member implicated in recent killings in Benin City.
He alleged that the operational base to cultism featured a hall, several rooms fitted with mattresses, and office spaces believed to have served as a hub for the group’s activities.
“The property is also bordered by a moat reportedly used for initiation rituals. Notably, the premises also contained an “Industrial Overhead Stand and Tanks donated by its Asia Region 2016–2021”, he alleged.
While also demolishing the building located in the Ogheghe area of Benin City, the governor, however, warned landlords, declaring that his administration would not hesitate to demolish buildings linked to criminal activities such as kidnapping, cultism, and rituals.
At the demolition of a building located at Ogheghe area, he also alleged that the building was reportedly used for internet fraud and kidnapping, with victims allegedly held against their will and subjected to ritualistic practices.
“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.
“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”, he added.
The Governor announced plans to repurpose the sites of demolished properties for public use.
He added that the government would be building a police station at the sites of the demolished buildings.
According to him, “Any land where such buildings are taken down will be used to serve the community,” he stated.
He said the demolition of the buildings followed the recent enforcement of a new anti-cultism law signed by his administration.
He opined that the law empowered the State Government to demolish properties associated with cult activities.
Okpebholo, however, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance, noting that no stone would be left unturned, and no individual, regardless of their status, would be spared under the provisions of the Cultism-Related Offenses Law.
He assured that the government is determined to restore peace and order in the State.
