Okpebholo warns no mercy for cultists who refuse to renounce. Governor offers rehabilitation while vowing tough action against ongoing cult activity.
Okpebholo warns no mercy for cultists who refuse to renounce. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a clear warning to cult members who continue their activities.
His administration will show them no mercy. The governor spoke during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City. The event carried the theme “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State.”
Okpebholo Warns No Mercy for Cultists Who Refuse to Renounce
The governor commended the youths who publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups. He said they had chosen the right path to save their lives and spare their families further pain.
He stressed that his administration would continue its fight against crime until Edo State becomes 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.”
Okpebholo warns no mercy for cultists who refuse to renounce while offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation. He said the government wants to ensure that a person’s past does not define their future.
Okpebholo Warns No Mercy for Cultists Who Refuse to Renounce
The governor revealed that Edo recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office less than two years ago. Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence and tougher enforcement, the figure has dropped to almost zero.https://youtu.be/udFaZfW55mY
Kidnapping incidents have also declined as the government intensifies efforts to protect residents and secure communities.
Okpebholo identified cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes. Therefore, the government is working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence.
He urged those yet to renounce cultism not to allow fear, intimidation or peer pressure to stop them. “Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.
Protection of Lives and Zero Tolerance
The governor stressed that his administration would not relent in the fight against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes. At the same time, it welcomes those genuinely willing to turn away from criminal activities.
Protecting the lives of Edo residents remains his responsibility. No one will 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.
Okpebholo warns no mercy for cultists who refuse to renounce and makes clear that the law will apply equally.
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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 work with security agencies.
“You chose to fight cultism and kidnapping and we joined you in the fight and today success has been recorded,” he said.
Edo State Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor also praised Okpebholo’s efforts. He said the renunciation programme aims to save young lives and help former cult members become productive members of society.
“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,” Daaor said.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security Festus Ebea described the exercise as a step toward the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda. The administration has zero tolerance for kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.
A political figure, Francis Inegbeneki, noted that the progress has stopped tears and mourning in many homes. He urged the governor to remain focused and to intensify the fight against drug abuse, which he linked to cultism.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Roland Otaru said cult-related activities had destroyed lives and property. The government’s efforts, including the Special Criminal Court, show strong political will to restore peace.
In the end, Okpebholo warns no mercy for cultists who refuse to renounce while keeping the door open for those ready to choose a better path.
