Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to cultists and kidnappers, ordering them to leave the state or face the full weight of the law.
The governor’s declaration came on the heels of the demolition of a building in Egbaen Community, along Upper Siluko Road in Egor Local Government Area, allegedly used as a base for cult initiation and ritual practices.
The operation, codenamed “Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
Coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, disclosed that the demolished bungalow was linked to one Marvelous Adetarami, described as a leader of the Maphite cult group, who allegedly converted the structure into a shrine and meeting point.
“We sealed this building some days ago after receiving reports of cultism, ritual practices, and other criminal activities.
However, intelligence revealed that the suspects resumed their operations under the cover of darkness. This defiance necessitated the demolition,” Idemudia said.
Residents of the area expressed relief, noting that the suspect’s activities had created fear in the community for months.
Idemudia assured that the government under Governor Okpebholo remains committed to flushing out criminal elements. “There is no hiding place for them. Edo is no longer a safe haven for crime or criminality,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the state government has introduced sweeping reforms in the education sector aimed at curbing what it described as “excesses” by school proprietors.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, pupils will now be required to reuse textbooks purchased by older siblings, as no textbook with workspaces will be recognised by the ministry.
He added that only students who have completed Basic 1–9 and Senior Secondary 3 will be permitted to hold modest graduation ceremonies, while extravagant celebrations such as proms are discouraged.
“The minimum age for a pupil to write the primary six examination remains 10 years, in line with the National and Edo State Policies on Education.
Pre-basic pupils are strictly prohibited from organising graduation parties,” the commissioner stated.
The government also directed school heads to submit approved book lists, banned staff from selling textbooks, and warned against forcing parents to buy from specific vendors.
Iyamu reminded school administrators of their obligation to comply with the Education Law, National and Edo State Policies on Education, and other regulatory instruments, insisting that the new measures were designed to promote quality learning outcomes and discipline across schools in the state.