Benin City – The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating cultism across the state, issuing a stern warning to landlords to monitor their tenants or face legal consequences.
Speaking during a press conference in Benin City, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, cautioned property owners against allowing their buildings to serve as havens for cultists and criminals.
“Any landlord whose property is found to be accommodating a cultist will face the full wrath of the law,” Ohonbamu declared.
The Commissioner explained that the government’s firm stance against cult-related activities justifies the demolition of buildings where such crimes occur. According to him, this action is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore security across the state.
He further urged landlords to conduct thorough background checks on tenants and avoid harbouring individuals involved in cultism or other criminal activities. “Landlords must take responsibility. Monitoring tenants is not just a civic duty—it’s a legal one,” he said.
Ohonbamu also appealed to parents to instill moral values in their children, warning that those who fail to curb delinquent behaviour may be seen as accomplices to crime. He clarified that no building has been demolished without credible evidence or direct confessions linking it to criminal acts.
The Commissioner emphasized that the fight against crime in Edo State has intensified, with renewed efforts targeting cultism, ritual killings, illegal possession of firearms, and herdsmen attacks.
“The government will not relent. Perpetrators and their enablers will be held accountable,” he affirmed.
