Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
There is a clear indication that the Edo State government under the able leadership of Mr. Godwin Obaseki is winning the war against cultism as the Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism, established by him has made giant strides in nabbing suspected cultists across the state.
Addressing journalists in Benin, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehekhare said, the creation of this task force was in response to an unprecedented rise in cult-related violence that has claimed numerous young lives throughout Edo State.
He said 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.
Truth Live News media reports that the task force is headed by the Department of State Services (DSS).