Over 100 ex-cult members renounce publicly in Edo

No fewer than 100 people renounced membership of various cult groups in Edo State on Monday publicly.   

They turned their back on cultism at a mass renunciation and denunciation ceremony with the theme: “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State” at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City.

While they reneged on cultism, Governor Monday Okpebholo warned his administration would show no mercy to those who decide to stay put.

According to statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Okpebholo commended the participants for choosing to abandon cultism.

He assured the decision would help save their lives and spare their families further pain.

“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in the state. Please take the message back to those that have not changed, they still have the power to renounce because if they are caught, there will be no mercy,” he said.

Okpebholo described cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, urging those yet to renounce their membership to resist fear, intimidation and peer pressure.

“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.

He stressed that his administration would continue to pursue cultists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, regardless of their personal or family connections.

“Even if my child is involved, the right thing must be done. No hiding place for criminals in Edo State. No colour in Edo State, we are all brothers,” he said.

The Governor warned that the government would demolish buildings used for cult-related activities, adding that security agencies would continue to support efforts to tackle cultism and other violent crimes.

“The security forces are still behind us. I am ready and hungry to give the directive to demolish any house used for cult-related activities,” he said.

Okpebholo said his administration was offering young people willing to abandon crime opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start.

“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said.

The Governor claimed that Edo recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office less than two years ago, but said the figure had since dropped to almost zero.

“Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement, these killings have been reduced to almost zero,” he said.

He also said kidnapping incidents had declined as the government intensified efforts to protect residents and secure communities.