Hundreds of Edo Youths Dump Cultism In Mass Denunciation As Okpebholo Offers Rehabilitation

Hundreds of Edo Youths Dump Cultism In Mass Denunciation As Okpebholo Offers Rehabilitation

Habiba Sam


In a decisive move to break away from violence and embrace a new lease of life, scores of youths formerly involved in cult activities in Edo State on Monday publicly renounced cultism, pledging to abandon the vice and live peaceful, law-abiding lives.

The mass renunciation ceremony, themed "Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State," was held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City.

Addressing the repentant youths, Governor Monday Okpebholo lauded them for taking the bold step, and called on others still enmeshed in cultism to emulate them and seize the opportunity to turn their lives around.

The Governor said his administration is providing genuine rehabilitation opportunities and a fresh start for those willing to abandon criminality, stressing that their past should not define their future.

Okpebholo disclosed that Edo State was recording over 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office, but noted that the figure has now dropped to near zero due to the enactment of stiffer laws, improved intelligence gathering and intensified security operations.

He however warned that those who refuse to renounce cultism and persist in criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law, adding that buildings used for cult-related activities risk demolition. He emphasised that no one, including members of his own family, would be shielded from prosecution for criminal acts.

In his remarks, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, described the exercise as a life-saving opportunity, urging the repentant youths to remain steadfast in their decision and embrace productive ventures instead of returning to cultism.

Similarly, the Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Mr. Noah Idemudia, said the synergy between the squad and other security agencies has significantly boosted the fight against cultism and kidnapping in the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Mr. Festus Ebea, described the renunciation programme as a crucial step towards restoring lasting peace in Edo State, while the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Roland Otaru (SAN), urged members of cult groups to take advantage of the window provided by the government.

Otaru noted that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court has strengthened the state's capacity to tackle criminal activities effectively.

In his contribution, a political leader, Hon. Francis Inegbeneki, called for intensified efforts to curb drug abuse, which he identified as a major driver of cultism among youths.

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