Edo State Governor grants amnesty to 500 cult members

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has granted amnesty to over 500 individuals who participated in a mass renunciation ceremony to abandon cultism. Organized by the Edo State Special Security Squad in Benin City, the event, themed ‘Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State’, saw participants take oaths to dissociate from criminal groups.

Governor Okpebholo stated that while those who renounce cultism will receive support and rehabilitation opportunities, the administration will show ‘no mercy’ to those who continue criminal activities. He noted that cult-related killings in the state, which previously averaged over 300 annually, have been reduced to almost zero through improved intelligence and tougher enforcement.

In a separate observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, Governor Okpebholo also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to empowering women and girls through expanded access to education, healthcare, and vocational training, including non-traditional career paths.