Okpebholo declares war on cultists in Edo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared total war on cultists and criminal gangs disturbing the peace of the state.

Okpebholo, while addressing security stakeholders in Benin on Friday, said his administration will not tolerate any group hiding under cultism to unleash terror on innocent residents.

“Enough is enough. This is Edo State, not a jungle. We will go after cultists and criminals wherever they hide. The state belongs to the people, not violent groups,” the governor vowed.

He revealed that new joint security operations involving the police, army, DSS and the state security network have been activated to flush out cultists and restore sanity in all flashpoint communities.

The governor also warned parents to monitor their children closely, stressing that anyone caught in cult-related violence will face the full wrath of the law.

“Cult killings, land grabbing and violent extortions have no place in my administration. We will use the law and all legitimate force to protect Edo people,” Okpebholo added.

Residents of Benin and its environs have raised concerns in recent weeks over the resurgence of cult clashes, with several killings recorded. The governor’s declaration is expected to send a strong signal to the groups fuelling the violence.