Edo Governor Okpebholo Offers Amnesty to 500 Cultists

During a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism ceremony in Benin City, over 500 members of various cult groups publicly renounced their membership. The event was organized by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSS).

Governor Godwin Okpebholo commended the youths for their decision, stating they had chosen the right path to save their lives and spare their families further pain. He asserted his commitment to protecting Edo people, warning that there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

Okpebholo noted that when his administration took office, Edo recorded over 300 cult-related killings annually, a figure that has since dropped to almost zero due to stronger laws and improved security operations. Edo State Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor likened cultism to a deceptive path leading to destruction and praised the amnesty initiative.

Commissioner for Public Safety and Security Festus Ebea described the exercise as a step towards achieving the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda.