Over 100 people quit cults in Edo as Governor Okpebholo issues stern warning

More than 100 people have publicly left various cult groups in Edo State. Governor Monday Okpebholo warned those who do not give up cultism that his government will not show them mercy.

This was shared in a statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele. The governor made the warning during a mass renunciation ceremony called "Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State" at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.

Okpebholo praised the participants for deciding to leave cultism. He said this choice would help save their lives and spare their families more suffering.

"We are not afraid to go after cultists and criminals in the state. Please tell those who have not changed that they can still renounce. If we catch them, there will be no mercy," he said.

The governor warned that his government would demolish buildings used for cult activities. He added that security agencies would keep supporting efforts to fight cultism and other violent crimes.

"The security forces are still with us. I am ready to order the demolition of any house used for cult activities," he said.

Okpebholo mentioned that his administration is offering young people who want to quit crime chances for rehabilitation and a new beginning.

"We are offering real chances for rehabilitation and making sure your past does not define your future," he said.

He claimed that Edo recorded over 300 cult-related killings each year when he took office less than two years ago, but said this number has now 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 noted that kidnapping cases have decreased as the government works harder to protect residents and secure communities.

Okpebholo called cultism a breeding ground for kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes. He urged those who have not renounced to resist fear, intimidation, and peer pressure.

"Your life is worth more than being loyal to a cult. Your family, community, and Edo State need you," he said.

He stressed that his administration will continue to go after cultists, kidnappers, and other criminals, no matter their connections.

"Even if my child is involved, we must do the right thing. There is no hiding place for criminals in Edo State. We are all brothers here," he said.

Noah Idemudia, coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, praised the governor for setting up the squad and backing its work with security agencies.

"You chose to fight cultism and kidnapping. We joined you in this fight, and today we have recorded success," Idemudia said.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, said the renunciation program aims to save young lives and encourage former cult members to become good citizens.

"This event today shows you care about the lives of Edo youths and want them to live productive lives. Cultism leads to death. Young men here today, please do not follow the path of death anymore," he said.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, called the event a step towards achieving the security goal of the governor’s SHINE Agenda.

He said the number of people publicly renouncing cultism shows a decrease in cult groups and an increase in residents choosing lawful lives.

Francis Inegbeneki, a political figure in the state, praised the governor for his fight against cultism, which he said has caused much suffering in Edo.

Inegbeneki urged Okpebholo to also tackle drug abuse, which he said is linked to cultism.

"The zeal you have used to fight cultism should also be used to tackle drugs," he said.

The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, stated that cult activities have destroyed lives and property in the state.

He urged cult members to take part in the renunciation program and become law-abiding citizens. He added that the Special Criminal Court's establishment has strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.