The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism on Thursday paraded 11 suspected cultists arrested from various locations in the state.
The Task Force which was set up by the state government few weeks ago, comprises of various security agencies and four State Government Ministries.
Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation who address the press, disclosed that the suspects were arrested between the 7th and 14th August.
He noted that the Special Task Force is empowered to crush all cult-related activities and enforce the ban on the notorious Okaighele groups.
The Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism also issued a strong warning that there will be no hiding place for cultists in Edo State.
According to him, the Task Force which is headed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was created by the Governor Obaseki-led government in response to increasing cult killigs which had claimed many youthful lives across the state.
He said: “The directive was clear – crush cultism with an iron fist.
“Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade the youths in particular from joining cults.
“Beyond persuasion, the taskforce has made several arrests of key cult members across board through painstaking intelligence procurement.
“Let it be clear: this is just the beginning. We have a long list of targets, and the taskforce will stop at nothing until every last cultist is brought to justice.
“No one is above the law. No political, religious, ethnic, or social standing will protect anyone involved in cult activities.
“This is a stern warning to all cult members: renounce your affiliations now, or face the full wrath of the law. Parents, we urge you to be vigilant and steer your children away from this path of destruction.
“The government of Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to restoring peace and security in our state.”
Nehikhare disclosed that Governor Obaseki has made it clear that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced to its fullest extent.
“We will not rest until Edo State is free from the clutches of cultism. This is a fight we will win,” he vowed.
