Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to cultists, declaring that nobody, including his own son, would be spared if found engaging in cult-related activities.

The governor gave the warning on Monday in Benin City during a mass renunciation ceremony organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (EDSSS), where over 500 members of various cult groups publicly renounced their membership and were granted amnesty by the state government.

Addressing the repentant cultists, Okpebholo commended them for abandoning the practice, describing their decision as a bold step towards saving their lives, restoring peace to their families and contributing to a safer Edo State.

“You have chosen the right path. You have chosen to save your life. You have also chosen to remove tears from your family’s eyes,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity without fear or favour, stressing that protecting the lives of Edo residents remained his primary responsibility.

“My duty is very clear. The oath I took is to protect Edo’s life. And this I must carry out to the letter on behalf of Edo people. Even if that person is my child, I won't know at that moment,” he declared.

He urged those who had renounced cultism to convince their former associates to abandon the practice, warning that anyone who continued to engage in cult-related activities and was apprehended would face the full consequences of the law.

“The remaining ones that have not changed, that still think they have the power, please tell them if they are caught, no mercy,” the governor warned.

Okpebholo further disclosed that he had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support in his determination to rid Edo State of criminal activities.

“I will let you know today that I have the blessing of Mr President to make Edo crime-free,” he said.

In a move aimed at encouraging the former cultists to embrace a new life, the governor directed them to submit their names and telephone numbers for a follow-up engagement to explore possible support for their future.

Recalling the security situation before he assumed office, Okpebholo said about 300 people had reportedly been killed within three to four months before his administration took over.

He added that five people lost their lives within five days of his assumption of office, describing the figures as an indication of the urgent need to confront insecurity in the state.

The governor also called on residents to embrace unity and reject divisions, insisting that cultism had no place in Edo State.

“There is no colour in Edo. So, if there is no colour in Edo, we are all brothers,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, praised the former cultists for taking the decision to renounce their membership, noting that their action had contributed to reducing cult-related activities in the state.

Ebea urged them to become ambassadors of change by discouraging others from joining cult groups and promoting peaceful coexistence.

He, however, called on the governor to extend the security crackdown to drug dealers, arguing that the abuse and distribution of hard drugs contributed to cultism and other criminal activities.

One of the former cultists, Isaac Owobu, who renounced his membership from Edo Central Senatorial District, described cultism as worse than HIV.

Owobu expressed gratitude to the governor for giving them a second chance to turn away from their past and rebuild their lives.

He disclosed that some individuals who had abandoned their studies due to fear of reprisal attacks had returned to school and were now pursuing their master's degrees in Ekpoma.

In his remarks, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, urged those still involved in cultism or considering renouncing their membership to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the state government.

He said the governor valued the youths of Edo State and would not want them to destroy their future through cultism, urging them to embrace peace and pursue productive endeavours.