The Edo government has warned and begun consultations for legal action against the Neo Black Movement, also known as Black Axe, over the spate of killings and cult-related violence.

The government said this in a statement on Monday.

The government’s decisions followed public admission by leaders of the group, who opposed the lawful demolition of a building allegedly connected to violent cult-related activities.

He noted that publicly opposing the demolished structure confirmed their association with criminal acts orchestrated in the building, thereby opening themselves to investigation and prosecution under state laws.

“The demolished building functioned as a hub for planning and execution of violent attacks across Benin and beyond. The government cannot allow such structures to exist unchallenged.

“The demolition was a lawful response based on intelligence executed in accordance with the Anti-cultism law passed by the Edo House of Assembly,” the statement explained.

In response to the group’s claim of renovating six schools since Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure, the statement said the government demanded an official list, documents, and authorisation proof of such schools.

”Failure to comply will attract legal action for defamation and unauthorised infrastructural interference. To ensure continued peace, the state government will build a divisional police station on the demolished site to deter crime and enhance security within the affected area.

“More demolitions of cult-related buildings will follow. The administration, backed by anti-cultism legislation, remains firm in cleansing the state of criminal cult operations and violent networks,” the Edo government added. “Edo will never be a haven for cultists. All involved are advised to desist immediately, relocate, or face severe consequences.”

(NAN)