The Edo State Government has offered amnesty to cultists in the state.
This was revealed in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday.
In the statement, cultists were urged to renounce their membership of the groups, turn a new leaf, and surrender the arms in their possession.
“I am dangling a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty,” the governor was quoted as stating in the statement.
The statement noted that a technical committee will be set up to oversee the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths.
This initiative is aimed at reducing the menace of violent crime, including kidnapping.
“A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment programme in order to make them useful to themselves and to the society in the long run,” said Governor Okpebholo.
“My administration’s resolve will set up a technical committee to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime, including kidnapping.
“Peace will be restored to all restive communities in the state, including Oko-Oroma, Amagba, and Obagie, and I will support the community leaders to bring about lasting peace in their communities, especially as the government embarks on the development of the new city in the state.”
Recently, the state government issued a stern warning to the Neo Black Movement, widely known as Black Axe, threatening legal action over a surge in cult-related killings and violence across the state.
In a statement, Itua said the threat of litigation followed the group’s public objection to a recent demolition of a building linked to cult activity.
Itua said the government’s action was backed by intelligence and conducted under the state’s Anti-Cultism Law.
“The demolished building functioned as a hub for planning and execution of violent attacks across Benin and beyond. The government cannot allow such structures to exist unchallenged,” Itua stated.
“The administration, backed by anti-cultism legislation, remains firm in cleansing the state of criminal cult operations and violent networks.”
He added that Governor Okpebholo had no ties to any cult group and remained fully committed to securing the lives and property of all Edo residents.
The state government had previously demolished a multi-purpose secretariat complex belonging to the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin, which was reportedly valued at ₦1.2 billion.
The demolition was carried out as part of what the government described as a crackdown on criminal elements in the state.