The Edo State Government has issued a warning against unlawful gatherings by members of cult groups across the state under the guise of commemorating an anniversary on July 7.
In a statement, Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, stated that the state government has alerted the police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute any group that violates the state’s anti-cultism law.
“As part of the renewed effort to tackle cultism in the state, the state government has asked youths in the state to avoid any unlawful gathering on July 7, 2024, in the guise of celebrating the anniversary of any cult group.
“The state government has been reliably informed by the relevant security agencies that Aiye (Black Axe) is celebrating its anniversary on the 7th of July 2024, with a possibility of rivalry and attack on other cult groups before, during and after the celebration,” the state government said.
The commissioner reminded the cult groups and their members of the State Anti-Cultism Law which prohibits their activities.
“Parents and guardians should also warn their wards to avoid any gathering of cult groups as the government has placed the police and other security agencies in the state on the watchout to arrest and prosecute any group that violates the state’s anti-cultism law.”
He urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities as the security agencies are on alert to secure lives and property across the state.