Edo Govt Laments Surge in Cult-Related Killings, Launches Anti-Cultism Campaign in Schools

The Edo State Government has raised alarm over the devastating effects of cult-related killings, which it says have led to an increase in widows and fatherless children across the state. This concern was highlighted during the launch of a statewide campaign against cultism and drug abuse, aimed at sensitizing young people on the dangers of these vices.

The Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, popularly known as “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” John Izegaegbe, made the disclosure on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the event held in Benin City.

Izegaegbe urged all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, to join hands with the government in eradicating drug abuse, cultism, and related crimes. He emphasized that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is taking proactive steps by targeting schools directly to “catch them young” and prevent the recruitment of students into cult groups.

“The negative impact of cult-related killings cannot be overstated. It has created more widows and fatherless children in our society, tearing families apart,” Izegaegbe stated. He added that the campaign is part of a broader strategy to foster a safer Edo State, with sensitization programs already underway in secondary schools.

Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, who also serves as the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Okpebholo, reiterated the governor’s declaration of zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism.

Noah explained that this policy led to the establishment of the special squad, which has been collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders to combat these issues.

As part of the initiative, the squad visited several schools in Benin City, including Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, and Edo Boys High School.

Noah noted that while the campaign initially focused on the general public, the strategy has shifted to target students directly, as evidence shows that even primary and secondary school pupils are getting involved in these activities.”

The campaign was first taken to society, but now we want to take our message to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions,” Noah said. “Governor Okpebholo charged us to take the campaign to the grassroots to ensure cultism is eradicated from the state. Starting from secondary schools will greatly help in fighting this scourge.”He disclosed that the program, which kicked off in Edo South Senatorial District, will soon extend to Edo Central and Edo North districts, with the ultimate goal of spreading the message nationwide.

This expansion comes amid reports of escalating cult-related violence in the state, including recent clashes linked to groups like the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe), prompting the government to consider legal actions against such organizations.

Guest speaker at the event, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, described cultism, drug abuse, and substance dependency as “critical social threats” that endanger communities and destroy young lives.

Agbonayinma warned students against succumbing to these vices, stressing that “neither cultism nor drug abuse is an option” and urging them to disassociate from such activities to safeguard their futures.

The Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, commended Governor Okpebholo for the timely initiative and appealed for the establishment of anti-cultism clubs in secondary schools across the state’s 18 local government areas to amplify the message.

Students from Ihogbe College, including Head Girl Aisosa Osakpamwan and Head Boy Blessed Edomwonyi, expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that the campaign would help curb cultism in schools statewide.This launch builds on earlier efforts by the Okpebholo administration, including a New Year’s vow for intensified crackdowns on cultists and kidnappers in 2026, with stronger security strategies and technology deployments.

In January 2026, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) supported a symposium in Edo State against drug abuse and cultism, highlighting the link between substance abuse and cult activities among youths.

Community leaders and activists have also joined the fight, with reports of confrontations against drug peddlers in areas like Ekpoma, where kidnappings and extortion—often tied to cult groups—have raised alarms. Experts warn that cultism in Edo State has deep roots, evolving from university campuses to secondary schools and communities, fueled by drug abuse.

The government’s school-focused approach is seen as a vital step, especially as similar campaigns by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in 2025 addressed the surge in cult-related violence.

NaijaChoice News gathered that the administration’s zero-tolerance stance includes new prohibitive laws signed in January 2025 to deter these vices. Stakeholders believe sustained collaboration could reduce the menace, which has claimed numerous lives and disrupted social harmony in the state.

Governor Okpebholo’s team has assured residents that the fight will not relent, calling on everyone to report suspicious activities to security agencies.