The Daily Torch Media: Reporter — Benin, Edo State.
News reports indicate that the state government has sealed multiple properties linked to suspected cult leaders, following the discovery of a shrine in the Egbaen community and a violent confrontation in Evboyare that resulted in the loss of a life.
The coordinated operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” was led by the squad’s coordinator, Idemudia Noah, in collaboration with allied security agencies.
Acting on intelligence reports, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Although the building was unoccupied, a search revealed a secluded shrine at the rear of the premises.
Inside, officers discovered a white casket and fetish items believed to have been used for initiation rituals and other clandestine activities.
In a swift response, the Edo State Government ordered the immediate sealing of the property—an emphatic signal of its resolve to dismantle both the physical and spiritual infrastructure sustaining cultism across the state.
Simultaneously, security forces moved into Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, the site of a violent clash between rival confraternities—Eiye and Maphite—which left one person, identified as Festus, dead.
The residence of the alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, was sealed following intelligence linking him to the crisis.
Aigbedion, now declared wanted, is believed to have masterminded the assault during a community dispute that escalated into cult violence. The violent confrontation between the rival confraternities—Eiye and Maphite—left the community shaken, with one person, Festus, losing his life in the clash.
Following the incident, the Edo State Government intensified its crackdown on cult activities, deploying security operatives to affected areas to restore peace and order. The sealing of Aigbedion’s residence serves as a strong message that no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the state’s security.
Idemudia Noah, the Squad’s coordinator, emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating cultism and criminal gangs from Edo State, urging residents to cooperate by providing intelligence on suspicious activities.
“The safety of our communities is paramount,” Noah said. “We call on all citizens to join hands with security agencies to ensure that such violent incidents never recur.”
Meanwhile, investigations continue, and anyone with information about Aigbedion’s whereabouts is urged to report to the nearest security agency. The government has assured that those found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
