Kingsley Ohens reporting

BENIN CITY, October 12, 2026 — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to cult members who refuse to renounce their membership and abandon criminal activities, declaring that his administration will show no mercy to anyone who continues to threaten the peace and security of the state.

The governor gave the warning during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City, under the theme, “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State.” The event formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes while providing repentant youths with opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Governor Okpebholo commended the youths who publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups, describing their decision as a courageous step towards securing their future, protecting their families and contributing to the peace and development of Edo State.

He, however, warned those still involved in cult-related activities that the government’s commitment to rehabilitation should not be mistaken for weakness or a retreat from its responsibility to enforce the law.

“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,” the governor declared.

He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to work with security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, warning that properties used for cult-related activities would face demolition in accordance with applicable laws.

“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,” he said.

While maintaining a firm stance against criminality, Okpebholo emphasised that his administration remained committed to giving young people who genuinely abandon cultism a second chance through rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said, urging those still involved in cultism to reject intimidation, peer pressure and misplaced loyalty and embrace a lawful and productive life.

The governor disclosed that Edo State recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office less than two years ago, claiming that sustained security interventions had reduced the figure 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 reported a decline in kidnapping incidents, attributing the progress to intensified security operations and the government’s determination to protect residents and secure communities across the state.

Identifying cultism as a major driver of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, Okpebholo said his administration was pursuing a comprehensive strategy that combines law enforcement with rehabilitation to weaken criminal groups and prevent vulnerable youths from being recruited into criminal activities.

He reminded participants that their lives were more valuable than allegiance to any cult group and called on those yet to renounce their membership to seize the opportunity to change direction.

“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.

The governor further stressed that nobody would be shielded from the consequences of criminal conduct because of family ties, political connections or personal relationships, insisting that the law must apply equally to everyone.

“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 declared.

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 tackle kidnapping and cult-related violence.

Idemudia said the coordinated efforts had contributed to the state’s ongoing security campaign, noting that the government and security operatives remained united in confronting the threats posed by criminal groups.

“You chose to fight cultism and kidnapping and we joined you in the fight and today success has been recorded,” he said.

Similarly, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, praised Okpebholo’s commitment to addressing criminality, particularly cultism, describing the renunciation exercise as an important intervention aimed at saving young lives and redirecting former cult members towards productive pursuits.

Daaor urged the youths who had renounced cultism to remain committed to their decision, warning them against returning to activities that could jeopardise their lives and the safety of their communities.

“This event today shows you love the lives of Edo youths and don’t want them to be killed anymore but live a productive life. Cultism is a path that leads to death and for young men here today, please don’t follow the path of death anymore,” he said.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the exercise as a significant step towards advancing the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda, reiterating the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

Ebea noted that the public renunciation of cultism represented an opportunity to weaken the influence of cult groups while encouraging more young people to embrace peaceful and lawful living.

Also speaking, a political figure in the state, Francis Inegbeneki, commended Okpebholo for what he described as progress in the fight against cultism, which he said had caused significant suffering and bereavement among families across Edo State.

“With the success in this fight, you have stopped tears and mourning in Edo State as peace has returned. Many homes in Benin City are praying for you,” Inegbeneki said.

He encouraged the governor to remain focused on the security campaign despite criticism and urged him to extend the same determination to tackling drug abuse, which he identified as a major concern linked to cultism and other criminal activities.

“The zeal you have used in tackling cultism extends the same in tackling drugs,” he said.

The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, also underscored the devastating consequences of cult-related violence on lives and property, commending the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening the state’s criminal justice system.

Otaru identified the establishment of a Special Criminal Court as another measure aimed at strengthening the prosecution of criminal cases and reinforcing accountability. He urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme and demonstrate their commitment to becoming law-abiding citizens.

The governor’s message at the event reflected his administration’s dual approach to addressing insecurity in Edo State: a firm enforcement strategy against individuals who persist in criminal activities and an opportunity for genuine rehabilitation for those willing to renounce cultism and embrace a new beginning.

The press release was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Monday, October 12, 2026.