The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism on Thursday strongly warned cultists in the state to either renounce their memberships of the various deadly groups or face the wrath of the law.
The task force, which was set up by Governor Godwin Obaseki in the wake of cult-related killings across the state, gave the warning in Benin City, Edo State capital, at a press conference attended by all security agencies that make up the task force.
Speaking on the activities of the task force in the last one week, the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, who is also a member of the task force, expressed the determination of the state government at stamping out cultism from the state.
Nehikhare explained that the task force which is headed by Edo State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) was given the mandate to rid the state of cultists and provide no hiding place for cultists.
The Commissioner added that the task force had recorded some success in its task with the arrest of 11 suspected cultists across the state, among whom were leaders of dreaded groups.
He said that the DSS State Director has assured that the suspects would be prosecuted without delay.
“Since the inauguration of the Task Force, it has demonstrated unwavering commitment to rid Edo State of cultism. Initial efforts focused on education and persuasion, engaging with communities and stakeholders to dissuade the youths in particular from joining cults.
“Beyond persuasion, the taskforce has made several arrests of key cult members across board through painstaking intelligence procurement.
“On 7th August 2024, taskforce operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community.
“On the 10th of August 2024, at approximately 2340 hours, a massive show of force was conducted within Benin City. Acting on a tip-off, the team stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba where cult members were holding a meeting. Two suspects were apprehended on the spot.
“The crackdown continued on the 13th of August 2024, when the operatives, leveraging critical intelligence, arrested a key cult leader in the Ekosodin axis of Ovia North East Local Government Area. The following day, in a pre-dawn raid between 0320 and 0500 hours, five more notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were taken into custody.
“A total of eleven suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing. Let it be clear: this is just the beginning. We have a long list of targets, and the taskforce will stop at nothing until every last cultist is brought to justice. No one is above the law. No political, religious, ethnic, or social standing will protect anyone involved in cult activities,” the Commissioner warned
He stressed that this is a stern warning to all cult members to renounce their affiliations now, or face the full wrath of the law.
Nehikhare urged parents to be vigilant and steer their children away from the path of destruction.
He added that the Governor Lucky Obaseki-led Government is committed to restoring peace and security in the state.
“Governor Obaseki has made it clear that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced to its fullest extent. The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism is empowered to crush all cult-related activities and enforce the ban on the notorious Okaighele groups. We will not rest until Edo State is free from the clutches of cultism. This is a fight we will win.” Nehikhare vowed.
