Governor Okpebholo Warns Stubborn Cultists as Over 100 Quit in Edo

Edo State witnessed a significant event on Monday as over 100 individuals publicly disavowed their affiliations with various cult organizations. This mass renunciation occurred amidst a stern warning from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who declared that his administration would show no leniency towards those who persist in cult activities.

The governor’s stance was communicated in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele. Governor Okpebholo delivered his warning during a ceremony titled “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road in Benin City. He lauded the participants for their decision to abandon cultism, emphasizing that this choice would safeguard their lives and alleviate suffering for their families.

“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in the state,” Governor Okpebholo asserted. He urged the former cultists to relay his message to those still involved, stating, “Please take the message back to those that have not changed, they still have the power to renounce because if they are caught, there will be no mercy.” The governor further warned that any structures utilized for cult-related operations would face demolition, reiterating the commitment of security agencies to support efforts against cultism and other violent offenses. “The security forces are still behind us. I am ready and hungry to give the directive to demolish any house used for cult-related activities,” he declared.

Governor Okpebholo highlighted his administration's commitment to offering rehabilitation and new beginnings for young people willing to forsake crime. “We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he stated. He claimed that Edo State had recorded over 300 cult-related fatalities annually when his government took office less than two years prior. However, he noted that this figure had now plummeted to nearly zero, attributing this success to “stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement.” He also mentioned a reduction in kidn*pping incidents due to intensified government efforts to protect communities.

Describing cultism as a breeding ground for other heinous crimes like kidn*pping and armed robbery, Okpebholo implored those yet to renounce their membership to overcome fear, intimidation, and peer pressure. “Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he stressed. He affirmed his administration’s resolve to pursue cultists, kidn*ppers, and other criminals, irrespective of their personal or familial connections. “Even if my child is involved, the right thing must be done. No hiding place for criminals in Edo State. No colour in Edo State, we are all brothers,” he affirmed.

Noah Idemudia, the coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidn*pping and Cultists, commended Governor Okpebholo for establishing the squad and fostering its collaboration with security agencies. “You chose to fight cultism and kidn*pping and we joined you in the fight and today success has been recorded,” Idemudia remarked.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, explained that the renunciation initiative aimed to preserve young lives and empower former cult members to become productive citizens. “This event today shows you love the lives of Edo youths and don’t want them to be killed anymore but live a productive life. Cultism is a path that leads to death and for young men here today, please don’t follow the path of death anymore,” Daaor advised.

Festus Ebea, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, characterized the exercise as a crucial step towards realizing the security objectives of the governor’s SHINE Agenda. He noted that the number of participants publicly renouncing cultism indicated a reduction in cult group strength and an increase in residents opting for lawful lives.

Prominent political figure, Francis Inegbeneki, praised the governor’s efforts against cultism, which he described as a source of widespread suffering in Edo. Inegbeneki urged Governor Okpebholo to extend these efforts to combat drug abuse, which he identified as closely linked to cult activities. “The zeal you have used in tackling cultism extends the same in tackling drugs,” Inegbeneki pleaded.

Roland Otaru, the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, highlighted how cult-related activities have ravaged lives and property across the state. He encouraged cult members to seize the opportunity presented by the renunciation program to become law-abiding citizens, adding that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court has bolstered the state’s criminal justice system.