Governor Okpebholo Orders Cultists to Leave Edo State

 Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, on August 22, 2025, issued a stern ultimatum to cultists, demanding they leave the state or face severe consequences.

Speaking in Benin City, the governor vowed to restore peace, targeting cult-related violence that has disrupted communities. Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress, emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities, urging security agencies to intensify efforts against cultism.

The directive follows reports of clashes linked to cult groups, which have fueled insecurity in Edo’s urban and rural areas. Okpebholo pledged to collaborate with police and local leaders to dismantle cult networks, prioritizing public safety as his administration begins. He called on residents to report suspicious activities, framing the fight against cultism as a collective effort to ensure stability ahead of upcoming local elections.

The ultimatum has sparked discussions about Edo’s security challenges, with some praising Okpebholo’s decisive stance, while others call for addressing root causes like youth unemployment. The move, building on past anti-crime initiatives, tests Edo’s governance framework as it seeks to curb violence. As security operations ramp up, Okpebholo’s order signals a broader push to restore order, shaping Edo’s path toward a safer future for its residents.