On October 12, 2026, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a stern warning to cult members who refuse to renounce their membership, stating that his administration will show them no mercy. The warning was given during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism event held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City. Governor Okpebholo commended the youths who publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups, saying they had chosen the right path to save their lives and spare their families further pain.
According to Governor Okpebholo, his administration has made significant progress in reducing cult-related killings in Edo State. When he assumed office less than two years ago, the state recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually, but this figure has since dropped to almost zero. The governor attributed this success to stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement. He also mentioned that kidnapping incidents have declined as the government intensified efforts to protect residents and secure communities.
Governor Okpebholo identified cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. He stated that his administration is working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence. The governor emphasized that his administration is offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that the past does not define one's future. He urged those yet to renounce cultism not to allow fear, intimidation, or peer pressure to prevent them from taking advantage of the rehabilitation programme.
The governor stressed that his administration will not relent in its fight against cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. He welcomed those genuinely willing to turn away from criminal activities, while warning that no one will be shielded from the law because of family or personal connections. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that protecting the lives of Edo residents remains his responsibility and that no hiding place exists for criminals in Edo State.
The coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Noah Idemudia, commended Governor Okpebholo for establishing the squad and supporting its collaboration with security agencies to combat kidnapping and cult-related activities. Idemudia said the squad has contributed to the state's efforts against these crimes. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, also commended Okpebholo for his efforts to tackle criminality, particularly cultism.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the renunciation exercise as a step in the right direction towards achieving the security component of the governor's SHINE Agenda. He said the administration has zero tolerance for kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities. Ebea added that the number of people publicly renouncing cultism represents a reduction in the strength of cult groups and an increase in the number of residents choosing lawful lives.
Various stakeholders, including a political figure in the state, Francis Inegbeneki, and the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, commended Governor Okpebholo for his efforts to tackle cultism. They urged the governor to remain focused despite criticism and to intensify the fight against drug abuse, which is closely linked to cultism. The stakeholders acknowledged the progress made in reducing cult-related killings and kidnapping incidents in Edo State.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo offers rehabilitation to cult members willing to abandon crime.
- The governor warns of severe consequences for cultists who refuse to renounce their membership.
- Edo State has seen a significant reduction in cult-related killings and kidnapping incidents under Governor Okpebholo's administration.
