Yemi Obafemi
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stamp out cultism, vowing that more properties linked to criminal gangs will be demolished as part of ongoing efforts to secure the state.
In a statement released on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the governor declared that his government will not tolerate any group or individual threatening the safety and peace of residents under the guise of cultism.
He emphasized that it is his constitutional duty as Chief Security Officer of the state to protect lives and property, and pledged to carry out that mandate decisively.
“Governor Okpebholo will not sit back and watch innocent citizens killed by criminal gangs hiding under the guise of cult groups,” the statement read.
The state government has initiated legal consultations to prosecute leaders of the group, following recent public statements by self-proclaimed members who criticized the demolition of one of their alleged strongholds in Benin City.
“This decision is premised on public admission by self-acclaimed leaders of the group, who have openly identified themselves and condemned the lawful demolition of a building linked to their activities.
“By publicly aligning themselves with the structure and its usage, they have confirmed their association with the actions coordinated from the premises—thus paving the way for lawful prosecution,” the statement read.
Okpebholo also called on the Neo Black Movement to provide a detailed account of its claim that it renovated six public schools since he took office. The state government is demanding the names and locations of the schools, proof of the renovations, and any official authorization obtained for the work.
The governor warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate legal action for defamation, misrepresentation, and unauthorized involvement in public infrastructure.
As part of broader security measures, the government also announced plans to construct a divisional police station on the site of a recently demolished building allegedly linked to cult activities. The facility is intended to act as both a deterrent to crime and a symbol of the administration’s firm stance against cultism.
Addressing recent speculations, Okpebholo firmly stated that he has no past, present, or future affiliation with any cult group or clandestine organization.
“Let it be made unequivocally clear: Edo State is not, and will never be, a haven for cultists. Anyone involved in cult-related activities is advised to cease and desist or relocate elsewhere. Edo will remain hostile ground for cultism and all its manifestations,” he declared.
The governor also reiterated that the Anti-Cultism Law, enacted by the Edo State House of Assembly, remains in force and will continue to be strictly enforced across the state.
