The Daily Torch Media – Reporter, Benin.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to cultists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements to leave the state immediately or face decisive action from security agencies.
This declaration followed the demolition of a building in Egbaen Community, along Upper Siluko Road in Egor Local Government Area of the state, which was allegedly used as a base for cult initiation rites and ritual activities.
The operation was executed by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in collaboration with various security agencies and community stakeholders.
Coordinator of the Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the building was linked to one Marvelous Adetarami, identified as a leader of the Maphite cult group, who allegedly converted the bungalow into a shrine and base for illegal activities.
We were here some days ago to seal up this building following allegations of cultism, ritual practices, and other nefarious activities linked to suspected Maphite cult leader Marvelous Adetarami and his members,” Idemudia told journalists at the scene.
He disclosed that despite the earlier sealing of the premises, intelligence reports revealed that the suspects resumed their clandestine activities under the cover of darkness. This continued defiance, he said, prompted the government to take decisive action by ordering the demolition of the structure.
We got credible information that the suspected cult leader, Marvellous Adetarami, and his members still gathered to hold their meetings in this sealed bungalow, where the horrifying shrine was discovered, he revealed.
Residents of the area, who had lived in fear for months, applauded the government’s swift action, expressing relief that a major source of insecurity in the community had finally been neutralised.
Neighbours and community members are all joyous seeing the building pulled down, as they had lived in constant fear due to the suspect’s activities, Idemudia noted.
