Two buildings allegedly used separately for cult-related activities and organ harvesting in the Edo Central Senatorial District have been demolished by the Edo State Government.
The demolition was part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s resolve to tackle the twin crimes of cultism organ harvesting and ritualism.
One of the buildings a bungalow and boys’ quarters belonging to a 40-year-old man Ebhata Eromosele was allegedly used for organ harvesting and ritual activities.
Eromosele was alleged to have used the building located at Uwalor-Oke in Uromi as a hideout to harvest the organs of three young ladies.
One of the victims a woman reportedly died in the process and her body was dumped by the roadside.
Two other victims were said to have been hospitalised.
The other building located at Idi-Negbon Eguare Ewatto was used for cult-related activities.
The Edo State Special Security Squad codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists carried out the demolition in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps the Nigerian Police Force and other sister security agencies under the supervision of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the governor.
Amiolemen Idemudia Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad operation to flush out kidnappers and cultists said Eromosele engaged in ritual activities before nemesis caught up with him.
‘A lifeless body killed and dumped was traced by the Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect.
‘A search of this residence revealed a bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence indicating that Ebhata is into ritual activities and organ harvesting.’
Speaking on the cult issue Idemudia said a cult clash in Ewatto disturbed the peace of the community.
He said one Bright Ejetuwamen used his properties at Ewatto for cult-related activities.
‘Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or properties used to perpetrate crime as they will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State.’
Zonal Commander Edo State Security Corps SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd) said the success in arresting the ritual suspect resulted from over one month of surveillance.
‘The body of a lady mutilated and dumped in a drain was recovered while still alive. Not two weeks later another body was recovered and these incidents led to increased surveillance around the area which paid off.
‘Ebhata Eromosele murdered a lady and dumped the body but my men on surveillance saw him and trailed him to this apartment which was demolished today.’