The demolition of a building allegedly used for organ harvesting and ritual activities in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, has brought renewed attention to the disturbing cases of alleged ritual attacks that left one woman dead and two others hospitalised.

The Edo State Government demolished the building in Uwalor-Oke, allegedly used by a suspected organ harvester, Ebhata Eromosele, following his arrest by security operatives over alleged involvement in ritual killings and organ harvesting.

The operation also led to the demolition of another building at Idi-Negbon Eguare, Ewatto, allegedly used for cult-related activities, as the government intensified its crackdown on criminal hideouts across the state.

Eromosele was arrested by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies under the supervision of the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

According to security officials, three young women were allegedly attacked in ritual-related incidents linked to the suspect. One of the victims, a pregnant woman, reportedly died, while another, who was hospitalised, has been discharged. The third victim is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Esan Central Senatorial District.

The developments have heightened concerns about the safety of residents and the need for sustained security surveillance to prevent vulnerable members of the community from falling victim to violent crimes. In a statement issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo's Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebiojele, the Coordinator of the Special Security Squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, said the government was determined to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

Idemudia said the demolition of the Uromi building followed investigations linking the property to alleged ritual activities and the recovery of a body.

A lifeless body killed and dumped was traced by Edo State Security Corps to this bungalow apartment used by the suspect,

— Idemudia

He added that a search of the premises uncovered bloodstained bedspreads and other items considered incriminating by the security operatives.

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

— Idemudia

The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, SP Johnson Oyameda (rtd), said the suspect's arrest followed more than a month of surveillance prompted by reports of mutilated bodies discovered in the area.

According to him, the recovery of the bodies raised concerns among security operatives and prompted them to intensify monitoring of the community.

The body of a lady mutilated and dumped in a drainage was recovered while still alive. Not up to two weeks another body was recovered again and these incidents led to stepping up surveillance around the area and the surveillance paid off,

— Oyameda

He explained that security operatives subsequently tracked Eromosele to the apartment, which was later demolished.

Ebhata Eromosele murdered a lady and dumped the body but my men on surveillance saw him and trailed him to this apartment which has been demolished today,

— he said.

Oyameda said the incidents under investigation involved three alleged ritual attacks, with one victim dead, another discharged from hospital and the third still receiving treatment.

He added that the discovery of bloodstained bedspreads and other items during the search of the property strengthened the security operatives' suspicions about the activities allegedly carried out there.

Beyond the Uromi operation, the security team also moved against a property in Ewatto allegedly associated with cult-related violence. Idemudia said cult clashes had been disturbing the peace of the community, adding that one Bright Ejetuwamen was identified as being at the forefront of the violence and allegedly using his properties for cult-related activities.

The property was subsequently demolished, while the suspected cultists were arrested.

He said Governor Okpebholo had made it clear that buildings used as hideouts for criminal activities would not be spared, warning that the government would sustain its campaign against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.

Governor Monday Okpebholo will not spare any hideout or properties used to perpetrate crime as it will be demolished. The cultist has been apprehended. All criminals must leave Edo State,

— Idemudia said.

The governor, through the security squad, reiterated his administration's determination to protect residents and prevent criminal groups from using residential properties as operational bases.

The government will not rest until the state is safe for all,

— Idemudia said.

Both the suspected ritualist and the alleged cultists have been arrested and are in the custody of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

The government said the operations formed part of its wider efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to communities affected by violence. For residents of Uromi and Ewatto, the demolitions mark a visible response to disturbing security incidents. However, the investigation and prosecution of the suspects remain critical to establishing responsibility for the alleged crimes and securing justice for the victims.