Edo Youths Renounce Cultism As Gov Okpebholo Offers Rehabilitation To Repentant Members

by Idahosa Musa

A major development emerged on Monday in Edo State in the fight against cultism, when youths formerly associated with cult groups in the state publicly renounced their membership, pledging to abandon cultism and embrace peaceful, law-abiding lives.

With this development the youths have signaled their intent to escape the cycle of violence and embrace a new beginning,

The youths made the declaration 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.

Addressing the participants, Governor Monday Okpebholo commended the youths for taking the decision, urging others still involved in cultism to follow their example and embrace the opportunity to turn their lives around.

He said his administration was offering genuine rehabilitation opportunities and a fresh start to those willing to abandon criminal activities, stressing that their past should not determine their future.

Okpebholo disclosed that Edo State recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office, claiming that the figure had since dropped to almost zero following stronger laws, improved intelligence and intensified security operations.

The governor, however, warned that those who refused to renounce cultism and continued engaging in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law. He added that buildings used for cult-related activities could be demolished, insisting that nobody, including members of his family, would be shielded from prosecution for criminal conduct.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, described the renunciation exercise as an opportunity to save young lives, urging the participants to remain committed to their decision and embrace productive activities rather than return to cultism.

Similarly, the coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Noah Idemudia, said collaboration between the squad and other security agencies had contributed to efforts to combat cultism and kidnapping.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the exercise as a step towards restoring lasting peace in the state, while the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation program.

Otaru said the establishment of a Special Criminal Court had strengthened the state’s response to criminal activities, while a political figure, Francis Inegbeneki, called for intensified efforts to tackle drug abuse, which he said was closely linked to cultism.