The Edo Government has demolished two buildings and arrested two persons over alleged links to ritual activities, organ harvesting and cultism in the state.
The operation was carried out in Uromi and Ewatto, in Esan North-East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas, respectively, by the state’s Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists squad, the Edo State Security Corps, police and other security agencies.
The exercise was supervised by the governor’s principal security officer.
Speaking with journalists after the operation, the squad’s coordinator, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the government was determined to eliminate kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities in the state.
Idemudia alleged that a search of a bungalow in Uromi uncovered bloodstained bedding and other items suspected to be evidence of ritual activities and organ harvesting.
He said the investigation began after a lifeless body was discovered and allegedly traced to the property.
“A search of this residence exposed the suspect as security operatives saw bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence, indicating that the suspect is into ritual activities and organ harvesting,” he said.
The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Johnson Oyameda, said the arrest followed more than a month of surveillance.
Oyameda said security operatives had recovered the mutilated body of a woman from a drainage and later recorded another similar incident, prompting intensified monitoring.
He said three women were allegedly attacked, leaving one dead and two others receiving medical treatment.
On the Ewatto operation, Idemudia alleged that the second suspect was linked to cult-related clashes that disrupted the community’s peace. He said the building was demolished because it was reportedly used for cult-related activities.
The two suspects are in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
