The Edo State government has demolished a building in Amagba, Benin, where two Aiye members linked to the recent killings in Benin City were arrested.
The two suspects were arrested in the building where two pump-actions a pistol were found, while five other alleged cultists who cohabited in the building escaped.
In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the demolition exercise was carried out by the Special Security Squad codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultist and Kidnappers in Edo State” led by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor.
Speaking to journalists after the demolition exercise, the spokesperson of the squad, Eribo Enwanta, said the anti-cultism law in the state would be implemented to the letter to ensure cultism becomes a thing of the past.
He said, “The governor has given us a mandate, and we will follow that mandate no matter who is involved. No one is bigger than the law. We are here and have demolished this property.
“Those who escaped that day and have been declared wanted are still declared wanted. Koko, Enas, Sparol and the others are still wanted, and we will arrest them to face the atrocities they have committed, especially Sparol.”
On the Okiagheles (youth leaders) who were asked to report before the Special Squad, Enwanta confirmed that two of the three Okiagheles have reported for scrutiny, adding that they are currently being profiled, while the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, is still being awaited.
Enwanta noted, “The Okiaghele of Obhagie, we gave you seven days to report, and that ultimatum is still counting. We were told you have been ranting on social media that the Governor is not the Oba of Benin, but don’t forget there is a law you must answer to.
“When the seven days expire, we will know if there is a law in Edo State. Ken Dada, the days are counting. For your own good, submit yourself for questioning. If you fail to do so, we will declare you wanted, and the full weight of the state will be deployed to enforce the law.
“Others have come to honour the invitation, and we are profiling them as we speak, but Ken Dada has decided to be a law to himself.”
In a related development, the Special Security Squad also sealed off a building in the upper Uwa area of Benin. The building was last known to be the residence of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh, a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity and alleged mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.
Briefing Journalists, Mr Enwanta noted that an intelligence report showed that the suspect, Mr Akhionbare, has relocated to Canada.
According to him, the state government had involved Interpol to help track him down and bring him back to the state to face justice.
Mr Enwanta insisted that all property linked to the suspects will be sealed off until he presents himself
“When we leave here, we will go to your sister’s house and church, from there we will go to your father’s house. Etiosa Joshua placed a 1 million naira bounty on the person that they killed, and he also provided money for the weapons used in the killing. We have involved Interpol, and there is no hiding place for him and his conspirators. Anybody who has had a hand in killing another person in this state will go after them.
“We cannot be intimidated, and the governor’s mandate will be carried out to ensure there is no more cult killing in Edo State. We have very good coordination in the office of the Principal Security Officer, and this mandate must be achieved,” he said.
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