Okpebholo Declares Total War: “No More Cultism or Kidnapping in Edo” — But Can It Stick?

BENIN CITY, Edo State

At a high-level closed-door security meeting on July 31, 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a bold pledge to eradicate cultism, kidnapping, and organized criminality from Edo State—coupled with strategic directives for a newly formed Special Security Squad.

Joining the governor were key officials including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, and members of the state security taskforce such as Ameloemen Idemudia Noah.

“We had a very useful meeting that concerns the fight against cultism and kidnapping. We want to see that Edo State is safe for all of us and that we are able to drive a strong economy,” Okpebholo said.

Multi-Agency Security Force Now Active

The fight is backed by a multi-layered Special Security Squad comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, local hunters, vigilantes, and rehabilitated ex-cultists. Their coordinated raids have already led to multiple arrests and peace restoration in identified hotspots across Benin City.

Recent operations include raids at strategic blackspots such as Isiohor, Iguosa, Oluku, Ibiwe, and Lagos Street, resulting in the seizure of illegal arms, narcotics, and suspected hideouts.

Legislative Backbone Provides Bite

Okpebholo’s campaign is reinforced by newly enacted laws:

The Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 mandates harsh penalties — up to death for cult-related killings, 10–21 years imprisonment for involvement or sponsorship.
The Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025 similarly imposes the death penalty for kidnappers in cases of fatalities and long sentences for accomplices, including lawyers and negotiators.

Early Impact & Mixed Reactions

Civil society leaders have broadly welcomed the crackdown but raised concerns about due process, cautioning against arbitrary demolitions of suspected hideouts and mass arrests without judicial oversight.
Meanwhile, the judiciary has pledged full enforcement support of the new laws and endorsed the governor’s initiatives as necessary for public safety.