Uromi Security Sweep: Edo Govt Targets Cultism, Demolishes Suspected Criminal Bases

…15 arrested with drugs in separate raid

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has intensified its onslaught against cultism and kidnapping in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, demolishing buildings allegedly linked to criminal activities after a seven-day ultimatum to suspected cult leaders expired without compliance.

The development was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, who described the actions as part of a sustained push to rid the state of violent crime.

According to the statement, the demolitions followed a major security operation carried out on November 17, 2025, by the State’s Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. During that coordinated raid, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts across Uromi, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities accused of orchestrating the violent clash of November 16 were given seven days to surrender.

With the deadline elapsed and none of the wanted individuals turning themselves in, security officials moved in to pull down buildings said to contain incriminating evidence. The demolition exercise, which drew the attention of anxious but hopeful residents, marked a decisive escalation in the government’s fight against insecurity.

Leading the operation was the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, working alongside the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, personnel of the Nigerian Army, local vigilante groups and the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee. Their combined presence sent a strong message that the state was no longer willing to negotiate with criminal elements.

Residents, who have lived in fear in recent months, expressed mixed feelings as the bulldozers rolled in relief at the government’s renewed vigor, but also concern for the families connected to the affected properties.

Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the security outfit known as Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, explained that the demolitions became inevitable after suspects ignored both the ultimatum and an extended grace period.

“This demolition exercise should serve as a warning to landlords and property owners in Uromi to properly profile their tenants,” he said. “These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them.”

Noah further disclosed that the affected buildings would be taken over by the state government and repurposed as operational bases to strengthen security presence in Uromi and surrounding communities. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace under Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

“We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law,” he stated.

In a separate intelligence-led operation, the Special Security Squad raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi, arresting 15 individuals after illicit drugs were recovered from them. Authorities believe the area had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists and kidnappers due to the thriving illicit drug market.

“We received credible information about ongoing drug transactions that promote nefarious activities. We swung into action and arrested both the sellers and buyers,” Noah said.

One of the suspects, identified as Tajudeen Lawal, reportedly admitted to selling marijuana with two accomplices.

The suspects have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, investigation and prosecution.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s determination to use every lawful measure to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace in Uromi and across Edo State.