Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has claimed that cult-related killings in the state have dropped to almost zero, compared with more than 300 deaths annually before his administration took office.
The governor made the statement on Monday during a mass cult renunciation and denunciation programme at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.
The event, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” was organised to encourage young people to abandon cult groups and embrace lawful living. The governor also warned that those who continued to engage in criminal activities would face the full consequences of the law.
Okpebholo attributed the reported reduction in cult-related killings to stronger laws, improved intelligence gathering, security operations and tougher enforcement.
“Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement, these killings have been reduced to almost zero,” he said.
However, the claim that cult-related killings have fallen to almost zero was not accompanied in the reports reviewed by a detailed breakdown of recorded deaths, a defined reporting period or independently verified statistics. It therefore remains the governor’s assessment rather than an independently established statewide figure.
In December 2025, Okpebholo said more than 300 people were killed in cult-related violence in Edo in 2024. His latest statement presents a claimed improvement but does not provide comparable figures showing the number of deaths recorded since he assumed office.
Governor warns cultists, offers rehabilitation
During Monday’s programme, Okpebholo warned members of cult groups who refused to renounce their affiliations that his administration would not spare those caught engaging in criminal activities.
“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.
He also threatened to order the demolition of buildings used for cult-related activities.
“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,” the governor said.
At the same time, he said the state government was providing opportunities for rehabilitation to young people willing to abandon cultism and rebuild their lives.
“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said.
Okpebholo urged those still involved in cult groups not to allow intimidation, fear or peer pressure to prevent them from taking advantage of the programme.
He described cultism as a pathway into kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, adding that his administration would continue pursuing those involved in criminal activities.
The governor also insisted that nobody would be protected from prosecution because of family ties 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.
Security officials back the initiative
The coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Noah Idemudia, commended the governor for establishing the unit and supporting its collaboration with conventional security agencies.
Edo State Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor also praised the renunciation initiative, describing it as an opportunity to save young people from violence and encourage them to become productive members of society.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security Festus Ebea said the programme supported the security objectives of the administration’s SHINE Agenda.
He argued that each person who genuinely abandons cultism represents an opportunity to weaken criminal networks and strengthen communities.
Political figure Francis Inegbeneki also commended the initiative but urged the government to intensify its response to drug abuse, which he said was linked to cult-related activities.
Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Roland Otaru said cult-related violence had caused extensive loss of life and property. He urged cult members to embrace the renunciation programme and become law-abiding citizens.
Laws and enforcement
The Okpebholo administration has pursued tougher legal and security measures against cultism and kidnapping. In 2025, the governor signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law. The state government has also reported arrests of suspected cult leaders and the demolition of buildings allegedly linked to criminal activities.
The effectiveness of the latest renunciation programme will depend not only on the number of people who publicly withdraw from cult groups but also on whether participants receive sustained rehabilitation and remain disengaged from violence.
Publicly renouncing cultism is an important declaration, but the event alone does not establish that former members have permanently left criminal networks or that cult-related killings have ended.
The governor said his administration would continue its security operations while providing opportunities for those willing to abandon criminal activities.
