Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, granted amnesty to at least 500 people who willingly renounced cultism in the state. On Monday, October 12, 2026, in Benin City, the young people renounced cultism.
Speaking during the ceremony hosted by the Edo State Special Security Squad, or ESSS, the governor threatened to prosecute anyone who reverted to cultism after rejecting it.
However, Okpebholo advised those who have not yet embraced the government’s proposal to do so right away.
He praised the repentant cultists for abandoning their previous practices and adopting the path of honour.
According to him, “You have chosen the right path. You have chosen to save your life. You have also chosen to remove tears from your families’ eyes. You have chosen to save society, and today, you have chosen to make a meaningful impact in society by the choice you have made.”
The governor said his administration would not be intimidated in its efforts to flush out all forms of criminality in the state, adding that security agencies had been given the marching orders to go after kidnappers and cultists.
He vowed that he would not circumvent the law for any offender, adding that he would not spare anyone found culpable, even if the person were his child.
He disclosed that he had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make Edo State crime-free.
“To our security agencies, there is nothing to fear. We are not afraid to go after cultists. Tell those who are yet to renounce cultism to do so as a matter of urgency because, if we catch any of them, we will have no mercy on them.
“The security forces are there to support us. The Commissioner of Police is also ready to assist us, and I am determined to demolish every house used for criminal activities, and I have given the directive.
“I will let you know today that I have the blessing of Mr President to make Edo crime-free. He is happy about it, and I am making Edo free of criminality.
“My duty is very clear. The oath I took is to protect the lives of Edo people, and I will carry this out without fear or favour to anybody. Even if that person is my child, I wouldn’t know you at that moment.
“So I want this message to go far to those who still think they can do it. Let them know there is no hiding place for criminality in Edo State,” he said.
He explained that upon assuming office as governor on November 12, 2024, between 300 and 400 persons were reportedly killed within three months.
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Lamenting the loss of innocent lives to cult-related crises, he added that about five people were killed within five days.
“They all died for nothing. And when I came in, they wanted to try it. Within five days, we lost five people. I said no, we must stop it.
“Let me tell you that our ears and eyes are everywhere. If you think we are not there, you are lying.
“When you are committing that crime, within 10 minutes, we are already aware that a crime is being committed, and we know where you are. As long as you drink water in this land, we must catch you,” he added.
Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, likened cultism to a deceptive path that leads to destruction.
He noted that many youths had lost their lives and futures to cultism, describing it as a path that appeared attractive at first but ultimately ended in death.
Daaor commended Okpebholo for the amnesty initiative, saying it showed that the governor valued the future of Edo youths and was determined to preserve it.
He described the amnesty as an act of divine mercy being extended through the governor.
“What you are doing today is unfolding one of the bundles of God’s mercies. Grab this opportunity with both hands. Don’t trifle with it,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to embrace the second chance and turn over a new leaf.
On his part, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said Edo State had become hostile to criminally minded persons while remaining attractive to investors.
While commending the cultists for their courage in turning over a new leaf and their determination to begin a bright and promising future, he urged them to see themselves as agents of positive change in society.
