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Anthony Ufoh
Senator Monday Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Governor, has issued a stern warning to criminals to leave the state, or if caught, they would face the full wrath of the law.
The governor made this statement during a demolition of a building at Egbaen Community in the Egor Local Government Area of the State that was used for cult initiation ceremonies and ritual purposes.
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 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 told journalists at the scene.
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 revealed.
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.
He reiterated the state’s commitment under Governor Okpebholo to creating a secure and law-abiding environment that fosters peace, development, and community well-being.