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

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.