The Edo State government has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the Neo Black Movement, also known as the Black Axe, over recent cult-related violence and killings in the state.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who noted that the state government has commenced legal consultations aimed at holding the group accountable for the violence allegedly linked to its activities.
According to the statement, the government’s move followed public admissions by self-identified leaders of the Neo Black Movement, who condemned the recent demolition of a building linked to their operations.
“By publicly aligning itself with the structure and its usage, the cult group has confirmed its association with the actions coordinated from the premises, thus paving the way for lawful prosecution,” the statement read.
The demolished building, the government said, was not an ordinary structure but a center for planning and execution of violent attacks across Benin City and other parts of the state.
“No responsible government will watch helplessly as criminal enclaves flourish under its watch,” Itua stated. “The demolition of that property was a direct response to actionable intelligence, and it was carried out in line with the provisions of the Anti-Cultism Law duly passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.”
The state government also pushed back against claims by the group that it had renovated six public schools since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, demanding full transparency and evidence.
“The group must, without delay, publicly list the names and locations of the schools allegedly renovated, provide documented proof of the said renovations, and present the official letter of approval or partnership granted by the Edo State Government authorizing such actions,” the statement demanded.
Itua warned that failure to meet these conditions would result in immediate legal action for defamation, misrepresentation, and unauthorised interference in public infrastructure.
To further entrench law and order, the state announced that it would commence the development of a divisional police station on the land where the cult-linked structure once stood.
“This permanent security presence would serve as a deterrent and protect law-abiding citizens and residents in the area,” the press secretary added.
He also revealed that more demolitions of buildings linked to cult groups would follow, stressing the administration’s resolve to cleanse the state of criminal networks.
“The Okpebholo-led administration, relying on the existing anti-cultism legislation, remains unwavering in its resolve to sanitize Edo State of all forms of cultism,” Itua said.
Reaffirming the governor’s commitment to public safety, the statement emphasised that Governor Okpebholo had no past, present, or future affiliation with any cult group.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Okpebholo will not sit back and watch innocent citizens killed by criminal gangs hiding under the guise of cult groups,” Itua said. “He remains neutral and committed solely to the welfare and safety of the people of Edo State.”
“Let it be made unequivocally clear: Edo State is not, and will never be, a safe haven for cultists. Anyone involved in cult-related activities is advised to cease and desist or relocate elsewhere. As long as Senator Monday Okpebholo remains the Executive Governor, Edo will be a hostile ground for cultism and all its manifestations.”
The government stressed that the Anti-Cultism Law remains fully in effect and would continue to be enforced with all seriousness.
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