Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned cult members who refuse to renounce their membership and continue engaging in criminal activities that his administration will show them no mercy.
The governor gave the warning during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.
Okpebholo commended youths who publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups, describing their decision as a positive step towards saving their lives and preventing further suffering for their families.
He said his administration remained committed to tackling crime and criminality until Edo State became 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,” the governor said.
He warned that the government would take decisive action against properties used for cult-related activities, adding that security agencies remained committed to supporting the administration’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“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 stated.
The governor, however, assured youths willing to abandon cultism and other criminal activities that his administration was prepared to provide 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.
Okpebholo claimed that Edo State 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 reported a decline in kidnapping incidents, attributing the development to intensified government efforts to protect residents and secure communities across the state.
The governor described cultism as a major source of recruitment into other criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of violent crime.
He said the state government would sustain its security measures while encouraging young people involved in cultism to renounce their membership and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
The initiative, according to the governor, is aimed at combining law enforcement with rehabilitation to curb cult-related violence and promote lasting peace and security in Edo State.