EDO, Nigeria – The Edo State Government has demolished two buildings in Uromi and Ewatto over alleged links to ritual activities, suspected organ harvesting and cult-related violence, according to the governor’s office.
The demolitions followed security operations in the two communities, during which authorities said they arrested suspects and identified properties allegedly connected to criminal activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebiojele, said the coordinator of the state’s Special Security Squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, confirmed the demolition of the buildings.
One of the properties was located in Uwalor-Oke, Uromi, in Esan Northeast Local Government Area. The statement alleged that the building was used by a suspect, Ebhata Eromosele, for ritual activities involving three young women.
According to the statement, one of the women, who was reportedly pregnant, died, while another was discharged from hospital and the third remained under treatment. Idemudia said security operatives traced a body to the property. “A lifeless body killed and dumped was traced by Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect,” he said.
He also claimed that a search of the residence uncovered bloodstained bedding and other items investigators considered relevant to the allegations. “A search of this residence exposed the suspect as security operative saw bloodstained bedspread and other incriminating evidence indicating that Ebhata is into ritual activities and organ harvesting,” he said.
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