The Edo State Government has arrested a suspected ritualist and organ harvester, as well as an alleged cultist, and demolished properties linked to suspected criminal activities in Uromi and Ewatto communities in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The operation was carried out by the state’s special security squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, under the supervision of the governor’s Principal Security Officer.
The demolition exercise affected a bungalow and boys’ quarters allegedly used for ritual activities and organ harvesting at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as well as a property reportedly linked to cult-related activities at Idi-Negbon Eguare, Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The suspected ritualist, identified as 40-year-old Ebhata Eromosele, was arrested over alleged attacks on three young women, one of whom reportedly died, while another was hospitalised and subsequently discharged. The third victim is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Edo Central.
Speaking to journalists after the operation, the coordinator of the special security squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the government was determined to eliminate criminal activities across the state.
Idemudia alleged that Eromosele had been involved in ritual activities before his arrest, adding that the demolition of his property was part of the government’s efforts to dismantle locations allegedly used for criminal operations.
He said security operatives traced a body reportedly dumped by the suspect to the bungalow, where a search allegedly uncovered bloodstained bed coverings and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
According to him, the discovery provided further grounds for investigating the property’s alleged use for ritual activities and organ harvesting.
Idemudia said the state government would not tolerate such crimes, warning that properties identified as hideouts or used to facilitate criminal activities could face demolition in accordance with applicable procedures.
“The government will not rest until the state is safe for all,” he said.
On the alleged cult activities in Ewatto, Idemudia said disturbances linked to cult clashes had threatened peace in the community.
He identified the arrested suspect as Bright Ejetuwamen, alleging that the property demolished in Ewatto had been used for cult-related activities.
The coordinator warned that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and bring those responsible for violence to justice.
The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd.), said the arrest of Eromosele followed more than a month of surveillance in the area.
Oyameda said the surveillance was intensified following the discovery of mutilated bodies, including that of a woman reportedly found in a drainage channel.
He alleged that another body was recovered less than two weeks later, prompting security operatives to step up monitoring of the area.
According to him, operatives subsequently tracked Eromosele to the bungalow, where they allegedly discovered bloodstained materials and other items during a search.
Oyameda said the suspect was linked to three alleged ritual attacks, one of which reportedly resulted in a victim’s death, while the other victims received medical attention.
The state government said both suspects had been arrested and were in the custody of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrests and demolitions form part of the state government’s renewed security operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. The allegations against the suspects are expected to be established through the ongoing investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
