From Premium Times Nigeria · Agency Report · · 1m 50s
Edo youths quit cults en masse
Edo youths renounce cults in mass effort to end violence.
In brief
Edo youths renounce cults in mass effort to end violence. Edo State youths publicly renounced cult memberships in a government-led initiative to reduce violence. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Edo youths renounce cults
Several youths in Edo State have publicly renounced their membership of various cult groups in a mass exercise.
Government-led initiative
The exercise, themed 'Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,' was organised by the Edo State Government as part of efforts to tackle cultism and other violent crimes.
Governor's commendation
Governor Monday Okpebholo commended the youths for renouncing cultism and warned others still involved to follow suit or face the law.
Cult violence reduction
The governor said Edo recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually before his administration assumed office in 2024, adding that the figure had since dropped to almost zero.
Rehabilitation opportunities
The governor said the government is providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for those willing to abandon criminal activities.
Demolition threat
He warned that the government would not hesitate to order the demolition of buildings used for cult-related activities.
Security squad support
Coordinator of the State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultists, Noah Idemudia, commended the governor for establishing the squad and supporting its collaboration with security agencies.
Police commissioner support
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Patrick Daaor, also commended the administration’s efforts to tackle crime, particularly cultism.
Attorney-general's warning
The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, SAN, said cult-related activities had destroyed lives and property across the state.
Special court initiative
He added that establishing a Special Criminal Court had strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.
Call for renunciation
He urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme, abandon criminal activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
The one thing
Edo State youths publicly renounced cult memberships in a government-led initiative to reduce violence.
