Edo State’s War Against Cultism Takes Toll On Nightlife

The Edo State Government has embarked on the war to eradicate activities of cult groups, kidnappers and other forms of criminality in the state.

Recently, the owner of a popular car wash simply identified as Makavier was shot dead at close range on his business premises located directly behind Airport Road Police Division less than three minutes drive away from the Benin Airport.

The development left many in shock as residents, business owners and fun seekers now close shops as early as 5pmfor fear of being caught in a crossfire. However, the state government is not relenting in its fight to end cultism and other related crimes in the state.

The cult related war broke out when members of the Black Axe, Marphite and Aiye clashed in various parts of the city with the death toll rising to 15 while over 200 arrested cultists are currently being remanded in prison custody.

The renewed confraternity war has become a recurring decimal sending shock waves among residents of the state capital. Social life and operators of lounge, drinking spots, hotels and other relaxation spots used to large crowds now suffer low patronage.

However, in a determined effort, Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stamp out cultism in the state, declaring that no amount of intimidation will deter the government from pursuing the campaign.

In a practical demonstration of the state government effort demolished a multi-million-naira arena belonging to the Neo black Movement and charged inspector general of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the director general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, to initiate the immediate arrest and prosecution of the president of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, Olorogun Ese Kakor, over alleged forgery of official state government documents.

Okpebholo, while addressing a group of youth who drummed support for his anti-cultism war had stated, “If I had been a victim of cult violence in my youth, I wouldn’t be standing here today as your governor. We must work together to end this menace. Cultism has no place in Edo State,” he said.

He further warned that continued cult violence threatens not only the safety of residents but also the economic prospects of the state.