The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned property owners that buildings linked to crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, and ritual practices will be demolished without hesitation.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, the Governor Okpebholo issued the warning while supervising the demolition of a property in the Ogheghe area of Benin City. The building was reportedly used for internet fraud, kidnapping, and ritual activities, with victims allegedly held captive for extended periods.
“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,” the Governor said, visibly disturbed.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, he declared: “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 also announced plans to repurpose such sites for public use, stating: “We are going to build a police station here. Any land where such buildings are taken down will be used to serve the community.”
In a related operation, the state government demolished the base of a notorious cult group implicated in recent killings in Benin City. The facility, located at Arena Street in Amagba GRA, included a hall, residential quarters, and office spaces believed to have supported the group’s operations. A moat on the property was reportedly used for initiation rites.
This crackdown follows the recent enactment of a new anti-cultism law signed by Governor Okpebholo, empowering the state to demolish properties associated with cult activities.
Additionally, Eterno Hotel in Benin’s GRA has been sealed off over alleged ties to another cult group linked to recent violence.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance: “No stone will be left unturned, and no individual, regardless of status, will be spared under the provisions of the Cultism-Related Offenses Law. We are determined to restore peace and order in Edo State.”
