In a renewed crackdown on cultism and violent crime, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to intensify the demolition of properties linked to cult groups.
The governor also threatened legal action against members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), following recent public statements by individuals claiming affiliation with the group and condemning the state’s demolition of one of their alleged strongholds in Benin City.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, confirmed that the state government is consulting legal experts to prosecute identified leaders of the group.
“This decision is based on public admissions by self-declared leaders who have openly acknowledged their ties to the demolished building and criticised the government’s lawful actions. Their statements have effectively confirmed their involvement and paved the way for prosecution,” the statement read.
The government described the demolished structure as a command centre for orchestrating violent attacks across Benin and other parts of the state. The action, it added, was informed by credible intelligence and executed in accordance with the law.
“No responsible government will stand idle while criminal networks operate unchecked,” the statement added.
Governor Okpebholo also challenged the NBM to provide evidence supporting its claim of renovating six public schools since his tenure began. He demanded the names and locations of the schools, proof of the renovations, and documentation of any official approval from the state.
“Failure to do so will attract legal action for defamation, false representation, and unlawful interference with public infrastructure,” the governor warned.
To reinforce the state’s zero-tolerance approach to cultism, plans are underway to build a divisional police station on the site of the recently demolished property. This, the government said, will serve both as a deterrent and as a symbol of the administration’s commitment to law and order.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his determination to rid the state of cultism, stressing that further demolitions of criminal enclaves would follow. He also declared that he holds no past, present, or future affiliations with any cult group or clandestine society.
“Let it be clearly understood: Edo State is not, and will never be, a safe haven for cultists. Anyone engaged in such activities must stop immediately or leave the state. Edo will remain hostile territory for cultism in all its forms,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the full enforcement of the Anti-Cultism Law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.