A man renounces cult membership and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State. He said he wanted to start a new life.

The Edo State Security Corps confirmed the development on Friday in Benin City. Zonal Commander Joel Aidamebor addressed journalists after the incident.

According to Aidamebor, the 29-year-old changed his mind after hearing an anti-cultism message. The message came from the acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Blessing Ebhodaghe.

Earlier, Ebhodaghe reported suspicious noises from a school near his home. As a result, the Edo State Security Corps alerted the police.

Police officers quickly arrived at the scene. They arrested several young men for questioning. However, investigators later released some of them.

Meanwhile, Ebhodaghe met with the youths. He urged them to reject cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

Soon after the meeting, the man renounces cult membership by approaching the chairman. He said he wanted to leave the cult group for good.

The chairman immediately informed the Edo State Security Corps and the Divisional Police Officer. The young man then surrendered a Beretta pistol.

Security officials took the suspect and the firearm to Benin. They formally handed the pistol to the police for further investigation.

Furthermore, Aidamebor praised the young man’s decision. He urged other cult members to abandon criminal groups and embrace lawful living.

The security commander also reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to fighting violent crimes. These include cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Ebhodaghe also appealed to young people across the state. He encouraged them to choose education, work and lawful living instead of crime.

The 29-year-old described himself as an aspiring musician. He said he has no regrets about leaving the cult group.

In addition, the man renounces cult membership because he wanted a better future. He said the chairman’s message changed his thinking.

He also informed a friend before surrendering the firearm. According to him, he wanted to do the right thing.

The young man refused to sell the pistol. Instead, he handed it to the authorities. He feared criminals could use it for illegal activities.

Finally, the man renounces cult membership after receiving encouragement from Governor Monday Okpebholo. He said the governor also encouraged him to pursue his music career.