Okpebholo says no room for cultists
Any building or facility being used for cult related activities or kidnappings will be demolished by the Edo State government, Governor Monday Okpebholo has said.
This is just as the governor reiterated the commitment of the government to rid the state of undesirable elements.
The declaration followed the demolition of a building in Egbaen Community along Upper Siluko Road in Egor Local Government Area of the state which was allegedly used as a base for cult initiation rites and ritual practices.
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The operation was executed by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, working in concert with various security agencies and community stakeholders.
Coordinator of the Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the building was linked to one Marvellous Adetarami, who is said to be a leader of the Maphite cult group and who allegedly converted the bungalow into a shrine and meeting point for illegal activities.
“We were here some days ago to seal up this building following allegations of cultism, ritual practices and other nefarious activities of suspected Maphite cult leader Marvellous Adetarami and his members,” Idemudia said.
He disclosed that despite the earlier sealing of the premises, intelligence reports confirmed that the suspects resumed their clandestine operations under the cover of darkness.
Their continued defiance prompted the government’s decision to demolish the structure.
“We got credible information that the suspected cult leader Marvellous Adetarami and his members still gather to have their meetings in this sealed bungalow, where the horrible shrine was discovered,” he stated.
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Residents of the area, who had lived in fear for months, applauded the government’s swift action, expressing relief that a major source of insecurity in the community had finally been neutralised.
“Neighbours and community members are all joyous seeing the building pulled down, as they have lived in fear following the suspect’s activities,” Idemudia noted.
