The Edo State Government on Thursday demolished buildings and arrested two persons allegedly linked to ritual activities, organ harvesting and cultism in the state.

The operation was carried out in the Esan North-East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of the state.

The state’s special security squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, alongside the Edo State Security Corps, police and other security agencies performed the operation.

The exercise, supervised by the governor’s principal security officer, resulted in the demolition of two buildings in Uromi and Ewatto over their alleged use for criminal activities.

A building at Idi-Negbon Eguare, Ewatto, Esan South-East LGA, was demolished over alleged links to cult-related activities.

Speaking with journalists after the operations, the squad’s coordinator, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the government was determined to end kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities in the state.

Mr Idemudia alleged that the suspect was involved in ritual activities before his arrest, adding that evidence of suspected criminal activity was discovered at the property.

He stated that the investigation followed the discovery of a lifeless body allegedly traced to the bungalow, prompting security operatives to intensify surveillance in the area.

“A search of this residence exposed the suspect as security operatives saw bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence, indicating that the suspect is into ritual activities and organ harvesting,” he said.

Mr Idemudia said Governor Monday Okpebholo warned that his administration would not tolerate such crimes and would continue efforts to ensure the safety of residents.

On the Ewatto incident, he alleged that the suspect was involved in cult-related clashes that disturbed the community’s peace.

He said his property was demolished because it was reportedly used for cult-related activities, adding that the suspect had been arrested.

The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda, attributed the arrest of the suspected ritualist to more than a month of surveillance.

Mr Oyameda said security operatives had recovered the body of a mutilated woman from a drainage and later recorded another similar incident, prompting intensified monitoring.

He said operatives subsequently tracked Mr Eromosele to the bungalow, where they allegedly discovered bloodstained bedding and other items considered relevant to the investigation.

He said three women were allegedly attacked, with one dying and the other two receiving medical treatment.

The two suspects are reportedly in the custody of the police command for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

(NAN)