From Moshood Karim
In a determined effort to eradicate cultism from Edo State, the Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism, established by the Governor Obaseki-led administration, has made significant strides in apprehending suspected cultists across the State.
The task force, headed by the Department of State Services (DSS), has issued a stern warning that there will be no hiding place for those involved in cult activities.
At a Press briefing on Thursday in Benin City, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehekhare said, the creation of this task force was in response to a surge in cult-related violence that has claimed numerous young lives throughout Edo State.
Since its inception, the task force has demonstrated unwavering commitment to its mission, initially focusing on educational outreach and engaging with communities to dissuade young people from joining cults.
On August 7, 2024, the task force operatives arrested three suspected cultists within the Auchi Polytechnic community. This was followed by a major operation on August 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 PM, when the task force stormed a hotel in Upper Sakponba, Benin City, acting on a tip-off. During the raid, two suspects were apprehended while holding a meeting.
The crackdown continued on August 13, 2024, when the operatives, leveraging critical intelligence, arrested a key cult leader in the Ekosodin axis of Ovia North East Local Government Area. The next day, in a pre-dawn raid between 3:20 AM and 5:00 AM, five more notorious cultists, including high-ranking leaders and a butcher, were taken into custody.
“This is just the beginning. We have a long list of targets, and the task force will stop at nothing until every last cultist is brought to justice. No one is above the law. No political, religious, ethnic, or social standing will protect anyone involved in cult activities,” stated Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
Nehikhare also urged parents to be vigilant and steer their children away from the destructive path of cultism, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring peace. “The government of Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to restoring peace and security in our state.
Governor Obaseki has made it clear that the newly enacted anti-cultism law will be enforced to its fullest extent.”
The Task Force’s operations are set to continue, with a strong message that the fight against cultism in Edo State will be relentless. “This is a fight we will win,” Nehikhare concluded.
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