By Eben Enasco
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has taken decisive action against cultism, declaring a total war on the menace and banning all Okaighele activities in the state.
This move follows a devastating five-month period that saw over 150 deaths recorded in cult-related incidents.
After a security meeting on Monday, at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Obaseki announced the establishment of a special task force headed by the Director of the Department of State Security DSS to tackle cultism.
The task force, according to the Governor, will review all cult-related incidents, and identify perpetrators, before allocating necessary resources to combat the issue.
The Governor expressed concern over the alarming rate of cult-related homicides, stating that the government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to eradicate cultism.
He said, “We have just finished the Security Council Meeting where we reviewed the security situation in Edo State since January 2024 with particular emphasis on the security activities in Edo in May 2024.
“From the security management report which was considered in our security meeting, we still have a nagging issue in Edo State which is cultism. The incidence of cultism is very high.
“What is particularly worrisome about cultism is the related homicide that goes with cult-related activities. From January to date, we have lost over 150 people to cult-related activities and homicide. We can’t tolerate and accept this situation anymore.
“The Council today, amongst its decisions, has decided to go full blast against cultists and cultism in the State. We have now passed an anti-cultism law in Edo State and that law will be implemented to its fullest.”
Obaseki added, “We have set up a special task force of the security council headed by the Director of DSS that will from tonight review every cult related occurrence in the State. We will look at all the data, incidents, perpetrators, and those behind these activities, and will make all resources available and leave no stone unturned.
According to him, “Related to cult activities are activities of Okaigeles in Edo South. The Council has prohibited forthwith activities of Okaigeles in Edo State. Anybody who claims he is an Okaigele, operating in any community will be dealt with strictly by the law.
“The outcome of our security council meeting today is that the State has declared full war on cultists and Okaigeles in Edo State.”
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, reassured that security agencies will implement the State Security Council’s decisions without fear or favor.
The ban on commercial motorcycles, also called Okada, remains in place, and anyone flouting the ban will face arrest and prosecution, according to Governor Obaseki.
The government’s swift action is seen as a timely intervention by many, bringing hope to a state plagued by violence and fear.
With the anti-cultism law now in effect, security operatives are poised to enforce the law and restore peace and security in Edo State.
Although tongues have remained wagging over the government’s delays in the decision to annihilate the monstrous killings occasioned by cult clashes, citizens in their numbers who reacted after the governor declared war on cultists have now welcomed the government’s position to clear out the perpetrators.
Osarumen Dickson who spoke with our Correspondent shortly after the announcement thumbed up for the government for heeding the far cry of the people.
He said it is a testament to the desire of the government to make the security of life and property a priority as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
