……says cult-related killings have dropped to almost zero, offers rehabilitation to youths willing to abandon crime
By Lucky Isibor
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has warned cultists who refuse to renounce their membership and continue engaging in criminal activities that his administration will show them no mercy.
The governor issued the warning during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.
Okpebholo commended youths who publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups, describing their decision as a positive step towards preserving their lives and sparing their families further pain.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting crime and criminality until Edo State becomes safe for 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,” he 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.”
The governor said his administration was providing opportunities for young people willing to abandon criminal activities to undergo rehabilitation and rebuild their lives.
“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said.
Okpebholo said Edo State recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office less than two years ago, adding that the figure had since dropped to almost zero.
“Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement, these killings have been reduced to almost zero,” he said.
He also reported a decline in kidnapping incidents, attributing the improvement to intensified efforts by the government to protect residents and secure communities.
The governor identified cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, noting that his administration was working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence.
He urged those yet to renounce cultism to disregard fear, intimidation and peer pressure and take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation programme.
“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.
While welcoming those genuinely willing to abandon criminal activities, Okpebholo stressed that his administration would sustain its campaign against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He maintained that protecting the lives of residents remained his responsibility and warned that nobody would be shielded from the law because of family ties or personal 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 said.
The 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 to tackle kidnapping and cult-related activities.
“You chose to fight cultism and kidnapping and we joined you in the fight and today success has been recorded,” he said.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, also praised Okpebholo’s efforts to address criminality, particularly cultism.
Daaor said the renunciation programme was designed to save young lives and encourage former cult members to become productive members of society.
“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,” he said.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the exercise as a step towards achieving the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda.
He said the administration maintained zero tolerance for kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.
According to Ebea, the growing number of people publicly renouncing cultism reflected a reduction in the strength of cult groups and an increase in the number of residents choosing lawful lives.
A political figure in the state, Francis Inegbeneki, commended the governor for what he described as progress in the fight against cultism, which he said had caused widespread suffering across Edo State.
“With the success in this fight, you have stopped tears and mourning in Edo State as peace has returned. Many homes in Benin City are praying for you,” he said.
Inegbeneki urged Okpebholo to remain focused despite criticism, adding that other governors could learn from his approach to tackling insecurity.
He also called on the governor to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse, which he identified as closely linked to cultism.
“The zeal you have used in tackling cultism extends the same in tackling drugs,” he said.
The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, said cult-related activities had destroyed lives and property across the state.
He said the government’s efforts reflected the governor’s commitment and political will to restore peace and security.
Otaru added that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court had further strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.
He urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme, abandon criminal activities and embrace lawful living.
Three additional headline suggestions
Okpebholo Offers Cultists Fresh Start, Threatens Crackdown on Those Who Refuse to Renounce
Edo Records Near-Zero Cult Killings, Okpebholo Says, Warns Unrepentant Members
‘Your Life Is Worth More Than Cult Loyalty’: Okpebholo Urges Edo Youths to Renounce Cultism