Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has granted amnesty to at least 500 individuals who voluntarily renounced cultism.
The renunciation ceremony took place on Monday, 12 October 2026, in Benin City and was organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSS).
Addressing the gathering, the governor cautioned that anyone who returns to cult activities after accepting the amnesty would face prosecution. He also urged those still involved in cultism to take advantage of the initiative without delay.
Okpebholo praised the repentant youths for choosing a better path, saying they had opted to protect their own lives, spare their families further pain, and contribute positively to society.He stressed that his administration would not be deterred in its drive to eliminate criminality in the state. Security agencies, he said, have clear instructions to pursue kidnappers and cultists relentlessly. The governor vowed to apply the law without favour, even if the offender were a close relative.
Okpebholo disclosed that he enjoys the backing of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts to rid Edo of crime. He directed security operatives to show no mercy to those who refuse to renounce cultism and announced plans to demolish buildings used for criminal activities.
Reflecting on the security situation when he assumed office on 12 November 2024, the governor recalled that between 300 and 400 people were killed in cult-related violence within the first three months. He noted that five lives were lost in just five days at one point, which prompted him to intensify the crackdown.
Edo State Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor described cultism as a deceptive path that ultimately leads to destruction and loss of promising futures. He welcomed the amnesty as an opportunity for the youths to start afresh and urged them not to waste the second chance.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security Festus Ebea said the state was becoming increasingly hostile to criminals while remaining open to legitimate investors. He encouraged the former cultists to become agents of positive change and to support the government’s campaign against cultism, kidnapping and other crimes.
ESSS Coordinator Noah Idemudia credited the governor’s political will for the progress made by the security squad since its establishment, saying the results would not have been possible without strong leadership support.
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