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Edo Government Cracks Down On Cultism: Shrines Sealed, Cult Leaders Declared Wanted

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6 months ago

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Edo Government Cracks Down On Cultism: Shrines Sealed, Cult Leaders Declared Wanted [Photos]

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Edo State has sealed shrines and declared suspected cult leaders wanted in a sweeping crackdown on cultism, ritual practices, and gang violence. Here’s what this means for the fight against insecurity in the South-South.

A Bold Offensive Against Cultism in Edo

Edo State has long grappled with the twin scourges of cultism and ritual practices—social menaces that feed insecurity, political violence, and youth restiveness. But in a sweeping move that signals a new phase in its security strategy, the state government has launched “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, sealing shrines, confiscating firearms, and declaring suspected cult leaders wanted.

This is not just another round of raids. It’s a deliberate, coordinated attempt to dismantle both the physical spaces and spiritual symbols that sustain cultism in the state.

The Egbaen Shrine Discovery

Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor LGA, where they discovered a secluded shrine behind the building. Inside were a white casket and fetish objects believed to be used for initiation rituals.

Though no arrests were made at the site, the government wasted no time in sealing the property. This was more than symbolic—it was a loud statement that Edo will no longer tolerate sanctuaries for cult activities.

Violence in Evboyare: A Community Under Siege

The crackdown didn’t stop there. Security forces moved to Evboyare in Uhunmwode LGA, a community still reeling from a bloody clash between rival confraternities—the Eiye and Maphite groups—that left one man, Festus, dead.

By the time operatives arrived, the area bore the scars of battle:

  • Homes and vehicles destroyed.

  • Spent cartridges littering the streets.

  • Families displaced by fear and chaos.

The residence of alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, was sealed after investigators linked him to the violence. He has since been declared wanted, accused of masterminding the confrontation. Two locally made firearms were also recovered from a poultry house serving as a makeshift armory.

Why Edo’s Crackdown Matters

For decades, cultism in Nigeria—particularly in the South-South—has moved beyond campuses into communities, politics, and even business. It fuels:

  • Insecurity through violent clashes and extortion.

  • Youth exploitation, as young men are lured into groups with promises of protection and power.

  • Fear in communities, where shrines and cult enclaves create a sense of untouchability.

By sealing properties, unearthing shrines, and declaring leaders wanted, Edo State is signaling a shift from reactive policing to proactive dismantling of cult structures.

Government’s Warning to Cultists

Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the operation, left no room for ambiguity:

“Cultists have only two options: renounce or leave Edo State. The full weight of the law will descend on anyone who persists.”

He also revealed disturbing details about the financial exploitation of recruits, including forced transfers of money during initiation. This underscores the criminal economy cultism has built within Edo.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Edo

The sealing of shrines and the hunt for cult leaders may mark a turning point in Edo’s fight against insecurity—if sustained. While critics may argue that arrests and prosecutions matter more than property closures, the government’s symbolic and practical actions send a powerful message: Edo is no longer safe for cultists.

But success will depend on consistency. Crackdowns must go hand in hand with community engagement, youth empowerment, and rehabilitation. Without tackling the root causes—poverty, unemployment, and political patronage—cultism risks resurfacing in new forms.

For now, though, Edo’s bold stance offers a glimmer of hope for communities weary of living under the shadow of cult violence.

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Crime

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

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2 months ago

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December 23, 2025

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Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

A tragic incident has rocked Boji-Boji Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a landlord, Mr. Lucky Obaze, was allegedly st@bbed to d3ath by his tenant during a dispute over a ₦1,500 electricity bill.

The suspect, identified only as Chiboy, is reportedly from Calabar, Cross River State.

According to Ika Weekly Newspaper, Chiboy and his brother, Victor, occupied a one-room apartment in a building owned by Mr. Obaze’s late father. The deceased, an indigene of the Owa-Oyibu community, lived in the same compound with his wife and six children.

Recounting the tragic event, which occurred on December 21, 2025, one of the victim’s children, Master Success Lucky, said the altercation started when his father went to collect the monthly electricity bill, as he routinely did.

“My father went to Chiboy to collect the ₦1,500 light bill, and they started arguing,” the visibly distressed boy said.

“I was alone with my father. If my mother had been around, this wouldn’t have happened. They fought downstairs where Chiboy stays, and afterward my father went upstairs to rest.”

He continued, “Suddenly, Chiboy came upstairs with a knife. I tried to stop him, but he was stronger than me. He met my father sitting in the parlour and st@bbed him.”

The victim’s wife, Mrs. Helen Obaze, has called on security agencies, the Nigerian government, and human rights groups to ensure justice is served.

Overcome with grief, she lamented that she has been left to single-handedly care for their six children.

Mrs. Obaze added that her husband’s body has been deposited at the mortuary to allow the police to carry out a full investigation into the incident.

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Crime

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

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2 months ago

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December 23, 2025

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‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of the global video game phenomenon Call of Duty, has reportedly died after a tragic car accident, according to a confirmation released Monday by gaming powerhouse Electronic Arts. He was 55 years old.

Local outlet NBC4 reported that Zampella was driving his Ferrari along a scenic mountain route north of Los Angeles on Sunday when the vehicle suddenly left the road under unclear circumstances, slammed into a concrete barrier, and erupted into flames.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that both Zampella and a passenger were thrown from the car and later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the cherry-red Ferrari completely engulfed in fire on the roadside.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely celebrated as a trailblazer in the gaming world and a driving force behind the evolution of modern first-person military shooters. He co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio responsible for hit titles including Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.

He began his journey in the gaming industry in the 1990s and went on to co-found Infinity Ward in 2002. The studio released the first Call of Duty game in 2003, launching a franchise that would grow into one of the most successful in gaming history, boasting over 100 million active players each month.

Infinity Ward was later acquired by Activision, solidifying Zampella’s status as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary video game development.

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Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

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2 months ago

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November 28, 2025

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Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

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