The Edo State Government has pulled down a building in Amagba allegedly used by suspected cult members, as part of a renewed clampdown on violent groups operating in the state.

Officials said the property was linked to two members of the Aye confraternity who were recently arrested in connection with a string of cult-related killings. Five other suspects reportedly fled during the operation and remain at large.

The demolition was carried out by a special security outfit known as Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State, led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, the squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, said the state’s anti-cultism law would be enforced without fear or favour.

“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,” he said.

Enwanta also addressed the status of three Okiagheles earlier summoned by the squad.

He confirmed that two had presented themselves and were undergoing profiling, while a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ken Dada, was still running.

He said, “The Okiaghele of Obagie, we gave you 7 days to submit yourself, and that ultimatum is still counting. We hear 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 7 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 and when you fail to do so, we will declare you wanted, and the full weight of the state will be deployed to enforce the law.

“The rest of them have come to honour their interview, and we are profiling them as we speak, but Ken Dada has decided to be Law by himself.”

In a related move, the squad sealed off a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin City, said to be the last known address of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh. He is described as a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity and the alleged mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.

According to Enwanta, intelligence reports indicate that Joshua has relocated to Canada. The state has now involved Interpol to help track him down.

“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, he also provided money for the weapons used in the killing,” Enwanta said.

“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.”

The government maintained that properties linked to wanted suspects would remain sealed until those involved present themselves to authorities.