Benin City, May 29, 2025 — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain a hardline approach against cultism, kidnapping, and related criminal activities across the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with youths from the 18 local government areas of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo vowed that the ongoing demolition of criminal hideouts would continue unabated.
“We will fight cultism to a standstill. If that’s the only thing I achieve as governor, I will be fulfilled,” the governor declared. “If you are harbouring a kidnapper as a brother or friend, ask them to leave. If not, you risk losing your home. We will not stop demolishing kidnappers’ hideouts.”
Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to strengthening the state’s security, announcing incentives under the government’s amnesty programme. He pledged to pay double for every weapon voluntarily returned by cultists who choose to embrace peace.
The governor cautioned youths against involvement in criminal acts, warning that such activities would only hinder the state’s development and discourage potential investors. He also urged law enforcement agencies to remain professional and respect the rule of law.
He lauded the Chief Judge of Edo State for supporting the administration’s anti-crime efforts and called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Moses Aguinede Joseph, praised the governor for engaging with young people directly, describing him as a listening leader.
Youth representatives from various organizations expressed concerns over alleged police extortion and appealed to the governor to caution security agents. They also called for more youth empowerment initiatives to keep young people meaningfully engaged.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the governor’s initiative in fostering dialogue with the youth and acknowledged public complaints about misconduct among some officers. He promised ongoing reforms to improve police-community relations.
The interactive session was attended by youth leaders, top government officials, security chiefs, civil society groups, and representatives from religious organizations.
