BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
In a decisive move against cult-related violence, the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has arrested eleven suspected cultists in Benin City, the state capital.
The ongoing crackdown, aimed at curbing the menace of cultism in the state, is set to continue with heightened vigilance and uncommon resilience, Alltimepost.com learnt on Thursday.
The eleven suspects were said to have been apprehended at various locations across Edo State, reflecting the task force’s expansive approach.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Mr. Chris Nehikhare, while briefing journalists, Thursday, revealed that the task force comprising personnel of security outfits, and under the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS), has been actively involved in both preventive and enforcement measures. These he said, include community education campaigns designed to deter youth from joining cults.
Mr. Nehikhare outlined recent operations and achievements of the task force as follows; “on August 7, 2024, operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community, August 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 p.m., a raid at a hotel in Upper Sakponba, Benin City, led to the arrest of two cult members who were attending a meeting.
“On August 13, 2024, a key cult leader was apprehended in the Ekosodin area of Ovia North East Local Government Area, adding that the following day, between 3:20 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., five additional cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were arrested”.
Mr. Nehikhare emphasized that these operations are only the beginning. The task force has an extensive list of individuals involved in cult activities and is committed to ensuring that all are brought to justice.
He warned that no one, regardless of their political, religious, or social standing, would be protected from prosecution.
The Commissioner also urged cult members to immediately abandon their affiliations to avoid severe legal consequences and called on parents to be vigilant and guide their children away from cult activities as Governor Obaseki has reiterated that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced rigorously.
The task force, created recently by the Governor Obaseki-led administration, aims to combat the increasing violence associated with cultism in Edo State and restore peace and safety to the community.
