Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State announced on Monday that cult-related killings in the state have significantly decreased since he assumed office. According to Okpebholo, the annual death toll from cult violence has dropped from 300 to almost zero. He made this statement during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism event, themed "Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State."
The event saw hundreds of youths publicly renounce their membership in various cult groups. Okpebholo commended them for choosing the right path, which he believes will save their lives and spare their families further pain. He emphasized that his administration will continue to fight against crime and criminality until Edo State is safe for all residents.
Okpebholo issued a stern warning to cult members who refuse to renounce their membership, stating that his administration will show them no mercy. He assured that the security forces are still behind him and that he is ready to give the directive to demolish any house used for cult-related activities. The governor also mentioned that his administration is offering young people willing to abandon crime opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start.
The governor identified cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. He stated that the government is working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence. Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement, the killings have been reduced to almost zero, according to Okpebholo.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, commended Okpebholo for his efforts in tackling criminality, particularly cultism. Daaor said the renunciation programme aims to save young lives and encourage former cult members to become productive members of society. He urged the youths to shun cultism, describing it as a path that leads to death.
The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, noted that cult-related activities have destroyed lives and property across the state. He said the government's efforts demonstrate the governor's commitment and political will to restore peace. Otaru added that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court has further strengthened the state's criminal justice system.
Okpebholo's administration has provided a rehabilitation programme for cult members who wish to renounce their membership. The governor urged those yet to renounce cultism not to allow fear, intimidation, or peer pressure to prevent them from taking advantage of the programme. He emphasized that their lives are worth more than cult loyalty and that their families, communities, and Edo State need them.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo claims cult-related killings have dropped from 300 to near zero since he took office.
- The governor's administration is offering rehabilitation and a fresh start to young people willing to abandon crime.
- Hundreds of youths have publicly renounced their cult membership, citing a desire to save their lives and spare their families further pain.
