Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned that his administration will show no mercy to cult members who refuse to renounce cultism.
The governor gave the warning on Monday at a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City.
Okpebholo commended youths who publicly renounced membership of various cult groups, saying they chose the right path to save their lives and spare their families pain.
He said his administration would sustain its fight against crime and criminality until Edo is safe for all residents.
“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in the state. 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 said.
“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.”
Okpebholo said his government is offering rehabilitation and a fresh start to youths willing to abandon crime, stressing that their past will not define their future.
He disclosed that Edo recorded over 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office less than two years ago, but the figure has now dropped to almost zero due to stronger laws, improved intelligence and tougher enforcement. He added that kidnapping incidents have also declined.
The governor described cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, urging those still in cult groups not to allow fear or peer pressure to stop them from embracing the rehabilitation programme.
“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.
He maintained that no one would be shielded from the law, including his own child if found involved in cultism.
“Even if my child is involved, the right thing must be done. No hiding place for criminals in Edo State,” he said.
Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Noah Idemudia, commended the governor for establishing the squad and supporting its collaboration with security agencies, saying the efforts have yielded results.
Commissioner of Police in Edo, Patrick Daaor, also lauded the initiative, describing cultism as a path that leads to death and urging repentant youths to remain productive citizens.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the exercise aligns with the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda, noting that the administration has zero tolerance for kidnapping and cultism.
Political leader, Francis Inegbeneki, praised Okpebholo for restoring peace to many homes in Benin, and urged him to extend similar zeal to the fight against drug abuse.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, said cultism had destroyed lives and property, adding that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court has strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.
He urged other cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme.
