The Edo State Government has demolished two properties in Uromi and Ewatto following the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to ritual-related crimes and cult activities, in an operation that authorities say forms part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
The demolitions were carried out on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by the Edo State Special Security Squad, working with the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
According to information released by the state government and statements attributed to security officials, one of the properties was located at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. The second was situated at Idi-Negbon, Eguare Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The operation followed investigations into suspected ritual activities, reported violent incidents and cult-related disturbances in the affected communities.
Property in Uromi linked to organ-harvesting allegations
The property demolished in Uromi was described by authorities as a bungalow with additional accommodation belonging to a 40-year-old man identified as Ebhata Eromosele.
Security officials alleged that the premises were connected to attacks involving three young women. According to accounts provided by the authorities, one of the women, who was pregnant, died, while another was reported to have been discharged from hospital. The third was said to be receiving medical treatment at the time of the announcement.
Amiolemen Idemudia, coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, said security operatives traced a body to the property and recovered a bloodstained bedspread and other items during a search.
Officials said the findings formed part of the evidence prompting further investigation into the suspect's alleged activities.
However, the allegations have not been established by a court. The reported discoveries and statements by security personnel should therefore be understood as part of the authorities' account of an ongoing criminal investigation, rather than a final judicial determination of guilt.
Second property demolished in Ewatto
A separate building at Idi-Negbon, Eguare Ewatto, was also demolished over its alleged connection to cult-related activities and disturbances in the community.
Idemudia identified Bright Ejetuwamen as a person allegedly associated with the unrest and said the property was linked to activities the authorities were seeking to stop.
The demolitions formed part of the state government's wider security response targeting suspected criminal hideouts and properties allegedly used to facilitate unlawful activities.
Authorities have maintained that the operation is intended to deter criminal groups and improve safety in affected communities.
Security agencies intensify investigations
Johnson Oyameda, a retired police officer and zonal commander of the Edo State Security Corps, said surveillance had been stepped up following the discovery of a woman's body and another reported incident involving a female victim.
According to the account attributed to Oyameda, security operatives monitored the area for more than a month before tracing the suspect to the Uromi property.
The two suspects were reported to have been arrested and held by the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
As of the reports reviewed for this publication, no final court judgment establishing their guilt had been identified. Further updates from the police or the courts will be necessary to establish the outcome of the investigations and any formal charges that may follow.
Government vows action against criminal activity
The state government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Security officials said the administration would continue to pursue individuals suspected of using properties to facilitate criminal activities. The demolition exercise was presented by the authorities as a deterrent to others who might be involved in similar offences.
The operation has also drawn attention to the need for effective investigations, timely prosecution and measures that protect residents from violence.
Due process remains essential
While security operations may help disrupt suspected criminal networks, the allegations against individuals must still be tested through lawful investigative and judicial procedures.
The identification of a property as a suspected crime scene, or the recovery of items investigators consider relevant, does not by itself establish the guilt of a suspect. Police investigations, admissible evidence and court proceedings remain essential to determining responsibility.
Residents of Uromi, Ewatto and neighbouring communities will be looking to the relevant authorities for further information about the investigations, the condition of affected victims and steps being taken to prevent similar incidents.
247NewsCheck.com will continue to follow the case and report verified developments from the Edo State Government, the police and other relevant authorities.
