Man, 29, Renounces Cult Membership, Surrenders Beretta Pistol to Police in Edo

Kingsley Ohens reporting

A 29-year-old man has voluntarily renounced his membership of a cult group and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State, marking what officials have described as another positive outcome of the state’s sustained campaign against cultism and violent crime.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, who said the incident reflects the growing impact of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s security strategy, which combines intelligence gathering, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration to tackle criminality across the state.

According to the statement, the Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, said the incident began after the Acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Blessing Ebhodaghe, reported hearing suspicious sounds from a school located near his residence. Acting promptly on the information, the Edo State Security Corps alerted the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the arrest of several young men who were taken to the police station for questioning. Following investigations, some of those arrested were released.

Aidamebor explained that Ebhodaghe subsequently met with the youths and used the opportunity to counsel them against cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities, urging them instead to embrace lawful and productive lives. The message, he said, had an immediate impact, as one of the young men later approached the council chairman privately to express his desire to renounce cultism.

The chairman immediately informed the Edo State Security Corps and the Divisional Police Officer, after which the young man voluntarily surrendered a Beretta pistol that had been in his possession. The suspect and the recovered firearm were thereafter taken to Benin City, where the weapon was formally handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary legal procedures.

Describing the development as commendable, Aidamebor said the young man’s decision demonstrated that meaningful engagement with vulnerable youths could produce lasting change. He urged other individuals still involved in cult activities across Edo State to emulate the gesture by abandoning criminal groups and embracing peaceful and lawful living.

He reaffirmed that the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, remains unwavering in its determination to rid the state of cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes through proactive security measures and continuous collaboration with relevant agencies and community leaders.

Ebhodaghe also confirmed the sequence of events and appealed to young people involved in cult-related activities to retrace their steps, stressing that every individual willing to abandon crime deserves an opportunity to rebuild a better future.

Speaking on his decision, the 29-year-old, who identified himself as an aspiring musician, said he had no regrets about leaving the cult group. He explained that Ebhodaghe’s message on the dangers and consequences of cultism made him reflect deeply on his life and inspired him to make a fresh start. He added that after informing a friend of his decision, he chose to surrender the Beretta pistol to the authorities rather than sell or transfer it to anyone, fearing it could eventually be used to commit crimes that might be traced back to him.

The young man further disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo encouraged him to use his personal experience to persuade other youths to abandon cultism and embrace legitimate pursuits. According to him, the governor also offered words of encouragement after learning about his ambition to build a successful career in the music industry.

The incident has further reinforced the Edo State Government’s position that sustained public enlightenment, responsive leadership, community participation and effective security collaboration remain critical to combating crime and promoting lasting peace across the state.