The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has apprehended 11 individuals suspected of being members of various cult groups as part of its ongoing efforts to eradicate cult-related activities in the state.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed during a press briefing held on Thursday in Benin City by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare.
Nehikhare emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to rooting out cultism, warning that no one involved in such activities will be shielded by their political, religious, or social connections.
“The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has made it clear that there will be no safe haven for cultists in Edo State,” Nehikhare stated.
“This task force, led by the Department of State Services and established by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, is responding to the surge in cult-related violence that has claimed numerous young lives across the state. The directive is unambiguous: eliminate cultism with an iron fist.”
He highlighted that the task force, comprising eight security agencies and four ministries, has been actively working to rid the state of cultism through both educational outreach and law enforcement.
“We have focused on educating and engaging with communities and stakeholders to discourage youths from joining cults,” Nehikhare said. “However, we have also taken decisive action by arresting key cult members through meticulous intelligence work.”
Detailing recent operations, Nehikhare noted several successful arrests: “On August 7, 2024, three suspected cultists were apprehended within the Auchi Polytechnic area. On August 10, following a tip-off, operatives stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba, Benin City, where cult members were meeting. Two suspects were arrested on the spot.”
He continued, “On August 13, a significant cult leader was captured in the Ekosodin area of Ovia North East Local Government Area. The following day, in a pre-dawn raid, five more notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders, were taken into custody.”
Nehikhare revealed that the task force is actively pursuing a long list of targets, assuring that every cultist will be brought to justice.
“This is a stern warning to all cult members: renounce your affiliations now, or face the full wrath of the law,” he declared. “Parents, we urge you to be vigilant and steer your children away from this path of destruction.”
He concluded by reiterating Governor Obaseki’s commitment to enforcing the state’s anti-cultism law to its fullest extent.
“The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism is empowered to crush all cult-related activities. We will not rest until Edo State is free from the clutches of cultism. This is a fight we will win,” Nehikhare asserted.
