The Edo State Government has demolished several properties in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, after security operatives linked the buildings to cult activities and other criminal acts. The move is part of a renewed crackdown on kidnapping, cultism and related crimes across the state.
The demolitions, according to a release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the demolition follow a major security operation on 17 November 2025, carried out by the State’s Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other agencies.
During the said raid, 31 suspects were cinfurmed to have been arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities accused of orchestrating the violent clash in Uromi on 16 November were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender.
With the deadline now expired and no compliance from the wanted individuals, authorities proceeded to demolish buildings where they said incriminating evidence had been found. Officials described the action as a firm demonstration of the state government’s resolve to stamp out criminal networks.
The operation was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the state security outfit Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, said the demolitions were carried out only after the suspects failed to take advantage of 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. These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them,” Noah said, adding that the properties will now be taken over by the state government for use as operational bases.
He reiterated the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to eliminating cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, stressing that “no one is above the law.”
In a separate operation, security operatives raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi following credible intelligence on drug activities in the area. Fifteen suspects were arrested after illicit drugs were reportedly found in their possession. They have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, investigation and prosecution.
Noah noted that drug peddling in the area had become a gathering point for hoodlums, cultists and kidnappers. “We received information about the ongoing illicit drug trade which promotes nefarious activities. We swung into action and arrested both sellers and buyers,” he said.
One of the suspects, identified as Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling marijuana along with two others in the Hausa quarters.