Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that the state recorded over 300 cult-related deaths annually before he assumed office, noting that the figure has since dropped to almost zero.
The governor stated this during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism, on Monday at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.
At the programme with the theme “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” the governor also warned cult members that his government would not show mercy to those who failed to renounce their membership of the various cult groups.
“Edo 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 said kidnapping incidents had 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, saying the government was working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence.
The governor 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.
He said his administration would continue fighting crime and criminality until Edo State was 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.”
Governor Okpebholo said his administration was offering young people willing to abandon crime opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start.
“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said.
He also said kidnapping incidents had declined as the government intensified efforts to protect residents and secure communities.
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.
“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.
The governor, however, stressed that his administration would not relent in its fight against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while welcoming those genuinely willing to turn away from criminal activities.
He said protecting the lives of Edo residents remained his responsibility and that no one would be shielded from the law because of family 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 combat kidnapping and cult-related activities.
Idemudia said the squad had contributed to the state’s efforts against the crimes.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, also commended Okpebholo for his efforts to tackle criminality, particularly cultism.
Daaor said the renunciation programme was aimed at saving young lives and encouraging former cult members to become productive members of society.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the exercise as a step in the right direction towards achieving the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda.
He said the administration had zero tolerance for kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.
Ebea added that the number of people publicly renouncing cultism represented 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 in Edo.
Inegbeneki urged Okpebholo to remain focused despite criticism, saying other governors could seek to learn from his approach.
He also appealed to the governor to intensify the fight against drug abuse, which he said was closely linked to cultism.
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 demonstrated the governor’s commitment and political will to restore peace, adding that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court had further strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.
Otaru urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme and become law-abiding citizens.