Several youths in Edo State on Monday publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups during a mass denunciation exercise organised by the state government.
The programme, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to tackle cultism and other violent crimes.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who addressed the gathering, commended the youths for their decision to abandon cult activities. He, however, issued a stern warning to those still involved in the practice to follow the same path or face the full weight of the law.
The governor stated that his administration would continue its campaign against cultism and criminality, stressing that the government remains determined to make Edo State safe for all residents.
“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in Edo. 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,” Okpebholo said.
He explained that the government is providing genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration so that those willing to abandon criminal lifestyles can rebuild their lives. “We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he added.
The governor further warned that buildings used for cult-related activities would be demolished if necessary. “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.
Okpebholo claimed that Edo State previously recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually before his administration assumed office less than two years ago, and that the figure had since dropped to almost zero. He did not, however, present specific statistics to support the reported decline at the event.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the State Special Security Squad (Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists), Mr. Noah Idemudia, praised the governor for establishing the squad and for supporting its collaboration with mainstream security agencies. He said the unit had made meaningful contributions to the fight against kidnapping and cult-related violence.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr. Patrick Daaor, also commended the government’s approach to tackling criminality, particularly cultism. He described the renunciation programme as a life-saving initiative designed to encourage former cult members to become productive members of society.
In his remarks, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Roland Otaru, SAN, noted that cult-related activities had destroyed many lives and properties across the state. He said the government’s various initiatives, including the establishment of a Special Criminal Court, demonstrated a clear commitment to restoring peace and strengthening the criminal justice system.
Otaru urged remaining cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme, abandon criminal activities, and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
