By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that even his own son would not be spared if found involved in cultism, insisting that nobody would be above the law under his administration.
The governor gave the warning yesterday, in Benin during a mass renunciation ceremony organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (EDSSS), where over 500 members of various cult groups publicly denounced cultism.
The repentant cultists were subsequently granted amnesty by the state government.
“You have chosen the right path. You have chosen to save your life. You have also chosen to remove tears from your family’s eyes,” Okpebholo said, describing their decision as a step towards building a safer society.
Emphasising his commitment to fighting criminality without fear or favour, the governor said protecting the lives of Edo residents was his primary responsibility.
“My duty is very clear.
“The oath I took is to protect Edo’s life. And this I must carry out to the letter on behalf of Edo people. Even if that person is my child, I won’t know at that moment,” he declared.
He urged those who had renounced cultism to persuade their former associates to abandon the practice, warning that those apprehended would face the consequences.
“The remaining ones that have not changed, that still think they have the power, please tell them if they are caught, no mercy,” he warned.
Okpebholo also disclosed that he had the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his drive to make Edo State crime-free.
“I will let you know today that I have the blessing of Mr President to make Edo crime-free,” he said.
As part of efforts to encourage more cultists to turn away from the practice, the governor directed those who had renounced cultism to submit their names and phone numbers for a follow-up engagement, where potential support for their future would be discussed.
Recalling the state’s security challenges, Okpebholo said about 300 people had reportedly been killed within three to four months before he assumed office.
He added that five people died within five days after he took office, underscoring the urgency of tackling insecurity.
Calling for unity among residents, the governor declared that cultism had no place in the state.
“There is no colour in Edo. So, if there is no colour in Edo, we are all brothers,” he said.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, lauded those who had renounced their membership of cult groups for taking such a bold step, noting that their decision had helped reduce cult-related activities in the state.
He urged them to see themselves as agents of change.
Ebea also appealed to the governor to extend his dragnet to drug dealers in the state, pointing out that without the intake of hard drugs, cultists and other criminals would not have the courage to engage in criminal activities.
Speaking at the event, Isaac Owobu, one of those who renounced their membership of cultism from Edo Central Senatorial District, described cultism as worse than HIV, thanking the state governor for giving them a second chance to make amends for their past wrongdoings.
He said some individuals who had previously abandoned their studies for fear of reprisal attacks had returned to school to pursue their master’s degrees in Ekpoma.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, urged those still contemplating whether to renounce and denounce their membership of cult groups to embrace the opportunity provided by the governor rather than continue with their old ways.
He noted that the governor cherished the youths of the state and would not want them to ruin their lives through cultism.
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