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Friday, February 20, 2026

Edo govt demolishes building linked to cultists

The Edo government says it has demolished a building in Amagba, Oredo LGA, where two members of the Aye confraternity were arrested in connection with recent cult killings.

• February 20, 2026
Okpebholo
Okpebholo(Photo credit:Punch Newspaper)

The Edo government says it has demolished a building in Amagba, Oredo LGA, where two members of the Aye confraternity were arrested in connection with recent cult killings.

A statement on Thursday by the government said that seven individuals were linked with the cult killings.

It disclosed that two suspected Aye cult members had been arrested while five are on the run.

The government explained that the demolition was carried out by the Special Security Squad codenamed ‘Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo’ led by the principal security officer to the governor.

According to the statement, the anti-cultism law in the state will be implemented to the last letter to ensure cultism becomes a thing of the past in Edo.

“Governor Okpebholo has given that mandate and it must be followed thoroughly, no matter who is involved. No one is above the law. Those who escaped arrest have been declared wanted,” it said. “The Special Security Squad also sealed off a residence at Upper Uwa area of Benin, the last known residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh. Joshua, is a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity, and mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.”

(NAN)

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