The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”, staged a road walk sensitization campaign across major streets of Benin City, the state capital recently.

The aim of the road walk sensitization was to raise awareness against the menace of cultism and kidnapping in the state.

The awareness walk, which drew attention from residents and passersby, began at the Edo State Government House and proceeded through Airport Road, terminating at the popular Ring Road.

The security operatives, dressed in branded T-shirts and carrying banners with bold inscriptions such as “Okpebholo says no to Cultism and Kidnapping”, marched in company of over 200 people in solidarity for a safer Edo.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise, the Secretary of the Squad, John Isegaigbe, said the walk was a deliberate move to deliver a strong message to citizens, particularly the youth, that the state government is determined to end cultism and kidnapping.

Isegaigbe declared, “This is a special message from the Governor of Edo State who is our chief host, we are the messengers,”

“We chose today to do this public awareness because it’s a day we will catch everybody’s attention. Please, be aware that the anti-cultism law has been reviewed and is now active. Under the 2025 Anti-Cultism Law, offenders face 21 years imprisonment and demolition of properties used to support such crimes. There’s no gain in cultism. We’ve lost too many youths. Please, let’s wake up and stop the killings.”

The spokesperson of the squad, Eribo Nwanta, emphasized the governor’s position on security, stating that while the administration is not interested in demolishing citizens’ properties, the spilling of innocent blood will not be tolerated.

Nwanta warned, “The governor is not interested in demolishing your buildings, as long as you don’t kill any of his citizens. But once blood is spilled, he will come after you,”

“Imagine losing a child you trained through school to cult violence. That’s unacceptable. The real heroes of the peace we enjoy today are the good people of Auchi and Ibie, who called for justice when an innocent man was killed in their area. They insisted on the demolition of the buildings used by cultists. That is the spirit we need.”

Nwanta urged the youth to come together, abandon crime, and focus on building a better future for themselves and the state, saying, “It is a taboo for parents to bury their children. Let’s stop cultism.”

Other members of the squad who also lent their voices during the sensitization walk include Osarentin Anthony Imoruye, George Aburimen, and Joshua Otobo, all of whom reiterated their commitment to the campaign and called on Edo youths to shun all forms of violence and criminality.

The road walk received commendation from residents and marked a strong show of force and solidarity in Edo State’s ongoing war against cultism and kidnapping.