Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State launched a bold and unprecedented assault on the deep-rooted menace of cultism a few months into office. It was a double-barreled strategy of legal reform and what now appears to be an amnesty programme. Both initiatives are aimed at tackling the hydra-headed menace of cultism and its twin—the perennial killing of Edo youths in their prime through rival clashes.
As it were, cult-related clashes and killings had turned Edo into what someone labeled “a slaughterhouse.” Armed rival groups brazenly unleashed terror in Edo communities, campuses, and even religious spaces. The state’s reputation as a hub for cult violence destroyed families, crippled communities, and tainted its image at home and abroad. Paul Ohonbamu, a lawyer and State Commissioner for Information, once described the situation as “an abattoir of human souls,” with lives lost almost daily to inter-cult rivalries. Festive periods like Christmas and New Year were notorious for the bloodletting, and the fear of reprisals paralyzed residents.
Governor Okpebholo assumed office on November 12, 2024, amid widespread insecurity and a sense of helplessness. Within days, he declared cultism a public emergency. By November 14, he had directed the Commissioner of Police to dismantle cult groups within 48 hours. That same week, he froze all government accounts to forestall financial manipulation and signal serious governance intentions. “Enough is enough,” his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, declared in a press statement, “Edo will no longer be a haven for cultists and their sponsors.” What followed were sweeping measures. Security agencies were mandated to identify, arrest, and dismantle cult networks. Cult hideouts were identified and demolished. The police crackdown intensified, with dozens of suspects rounded up across hotspots.
Not content with enforcement alone, the Governor spearheaded legislative action. On January 24, 2025, he signed into law the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025. The new law prescribes the death penalty for cult-related murders, 21 years imprisonment for sponsors and financiers of cult groups, and 10 years jail term plus property forfeiture for those who harbor cultists or provide them facilities. It also authorizes the mandatory demolition of buildings used for cult activities. Section 12 of the law is particularly emphatic: anyone found guilty of a cult-related killing faces the death penalty, and all assets linked to the crime must be confiscated. Importantly, the law also expands its reach to cover “similar activities,” thereby capturing those who fund, protect, or profit from the chaos of cultism.
Despite this tough posture, Governor Okpebholo’s administration carved out a humanitarian flank in the form of an amnesty program for repentant cultists and those in possession of illegal firearms. In late May 2025, the state announced a window of opportunity for individuals willing to renounce cultism. They were asked to surrender their arms and commit to peace, with a promise of no prosecution and a chance at rehabilitation. The state pledged double-market value compensation for surrendered arms and a fast-tracked enrollment into skill acquisition, agriculture, and small business development programmes. He has established a committee to oversee reintegration, especially in hotspots like Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba—areas now designated for a “New City” initiative, blending peacebuilding with urban renewal.
The amnesty programme, coupled with robust law enforcement, has drawn applause from the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). In a communiqué on June 11, 2025, it praised the governor’s bold steps and called for their sustained implementation. “This campaign is not just about security; it is about restoring Edo’s soul,” the NUJ stated. Civil society organizations, youth groups, and traditional leaders have echoed similar sentiments. The Ijaw Youth Congress Western Zone, for instance, urged the federal government to support Edo State’s peace efforts and include ex-cultists in national employment and empowerment schemes. APC chieftain Blessing Agbomhere described the move as “brave and commendable,” adding that the governor’s resolve has brought hope to thousands of previously terrorized residents.
Governor Okpebholo’s strategy, perhaps more than anything else, is a redefinition of political leadership. His approach blends the stern hand of justice with the open hand of redemption. The biblical phrase “go and sin no more” captures the moral philosophy behind the campaign. Rather than criminalize everyone connected to cultism, the administration offers a chance for transformation—backed not only by words but tangible opportunities for reformation. This is not to say that the road ahead is without risks. Concerns remain about the sustainability of the programme, potential rights abuses during raids, and the risk of political profiling.
The success of this campaign will depend heavily on sustained enforcement by security agencies, judicial integrity in applying the new law, and a well-funded rehabilitation infrastructure including counselling and vocational training. Community involvement will also be crucial. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local influencers must be engaged to reinforce the message of peace. The law and the amnesty scheme must also evolve with intelligence reports and ground realities to stay effective.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken the boldest step yet in the fight against cultism in Nigeria. He deserves commendation. And in the words of one resident in Upper Sakponba: “We used to sleep with one eye open. Now, we sleep in peace. May it last.”
Osehobo, a Mediapreneur, is Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Edo State APC
