The Edo State Government has demolished a property linked to an alleged former cult member, in a move that has intensified efforts to clamp down on cult-related violence in the state.
The property, reportedly inherited by Usuanlele Osas from his parents, was demolished on February 14, 2026.
Government officials said the action was carried out under the state’s anti-cultism law, which empowers authorities to demolish buildings associated with cult activities and prosecute suspected members.
Osas, who is alleged to be a former member of the Black Axe confraternity, had reportedly gone into hiding in 2016 following the escalation of a family land dispute in Obazagbon community.
Authorities allege that the dispute, which began in 2015, led to a broader crisis in the community.
According to reports, the community leader, Innocent Okunozie, had on January 15, 2026, briefed the Edo State Government and security agencies, accusing Osas of being the chief sponsor of the unrest.
The crisis was further linked to a series of cult-related killings in Edo State from December 2015 and in the months that followed, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Osas was later named alongside three others—Edosa Courage, Uyi Amadasun, and Ero Timothy—as key suspects in the alleged cult activities.
Government authorities accused the group of playing significant roles in the violence that affected parts of the state.
Following ongoing investigations, the Edo State Government and the State Police Command have now declared all four individuals wanted for their alleged involvement in the 2016 cult-related killings .
Security agencies confirmed that the suspects remain at large and have called on members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to their arrest.
Efforts to reach the accused persons or their relatives for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
