By Joshua uti
Is the War Against Cultism in Edo State Winnable? Absolutely—And Governor Monday Okpebholo Is Proving It
For years, cultism has haunted Edo State like a shadow—deeply embedded in our schools, streets, and political corridors. It thrived unchecked, eroding peace, destroying young lives, and poisoning communities. But something is changing. For the first time in a long time, we are witnessing a leadership that is not merely condemning cultism in words but confronting it with action. Governor Monday Okpebholo inherited a state wearied by cult-related violence—needless killings on campuses, bloody reprisals in local councils, fear etched into the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Past responses were often half-hearted and symbolic. This administration is different. It brings strategy, backed by law, executed with resolve, and driven by a belief that safety is not a luxury—it is a right.
Governor Okpebholo’s campaign against cultism isn’t just about the present; it’s about reshaping the future. It’s about reclaiming territory—from campuses and markets to shrines and street corners—places that have long been gripped by fear and violence. It’s about making sure that a 13-year-old boy in Iruekpen, a young woman in Auchi Polytechnic, or a trader in Upper Mission Road can live and work without looking over their shoulder.One of the boldest moves has been the Governor’s order to transform demolished cult hideouts into symbols of progress—police stations, youth centres, rehabilitation homes, and libraries. These aren’t random choices; they are powerful statements. Each transformation is a declaration that darkness will not triumph over light.The results are beginning to show. In just the past two months, over 120 suspected cultists have been arrested and are now facing prosecution. This is not business as usual—arrests are no longer where the story ends. The courtrooms are active, and justice is moving forward. Working with the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and local security outfits, the government has launched an aggressive crackdown on cult strongholds across Benin City, Ekpoma, Auchi, and beyond. Weapons have been recovered. Initiation ceremonies disrupted. Safe houses sealed. Intelligence is flowing from citizens who now trust that their reports will lead to real action. The Governor’s message to security forces has been unflinching: no tolerance, no compromise, no retreat.Backing this effort is a stronger legal framework. Amendments to Edo State’s anti-cultism laws have closed loopholes and introduced tougher penalties. Community vigilantes now have clearer legal grounds to cooperate with official security forces, eliminating red tape that often stalls quick response.But this campaign isn’t relying on force alone. Governor Okpebholo knows that arrests won’t solve everything. Cultism feeds on fear, ignorance, and broken dreams. That’s why the state has launched a wide-reaching sensitisation drive—visiting schools, markets, churches, and mosques to speak directly to the people. Anti-cultism clubs are returning to secondary schools. Universities are engaging students through their unions and faithh based groups, empowering youth to resist peer pressure and organised recruitment.Perhaps most significantly, the Governor has brought religious and traditional institutions into the fold. Chiefs, pastors, and imams have joined the campaign—not just in words, but through town halls, public declarations, and spiritual interventions. In Esanland, Edo South, and Edo North, youth leaders and elders have pledged to stand against cultism, giving the campaign a deep moral foundation.
Security on the ground is improving too. The Edo State Security Corps is being strengthened, vigilante groups are better coordinated, and field operatives are now better equipped and cared for. These aren’t side issues—they’re critical to winning the trust of communities and deterring criminal activity.But this is only the beginning.For this campaign to succeed long-term, it must go beyond government. It must become a movement that every Edo son and daughter embraces—at home and in the diaspora. To our traditional rulers: now is the time to speak clearly and act boldly. Your voice carries unmatched weight. Use it to publicly reject cultism, issue cultural sanctions, and empower youth to take a stand.To pastors, imams, and spiritual leaders: let your platforms be places of healing and truth. Condemn cultism without fear and guide the confused back to light.To content creators, comedians, and social media influencers: stop glamorizing cultism. Use your platforms to promote peace, not pain.To student leaders and campus journalists: be courageous. Take a stand. Push for reform and transparency on your campuses.To professional bodies—NUJ, NBA, NMA, and others: support this effort with your voice, your platforms, your influence. Host forums, issue statements, provide guidance.Let it be written that in our time, Edo State stood up, united, and defeated a menace that once seemed untouchable. Governor Monday Okpebholo has shown that this fight can be won—with courage, vision, and unity. But the victory must be shared.Cultism must end—so that Edo may rise.
