BENIN CITY, Edo State
The Edo State Government has organised a public cult renunciation ceremony in Benin City for youths seeking to abandon cultism, as part of efforts to curb cult-related violence, promote community safety and support the reintegration of former cult members into society.
The ceremony, held on Monday, was coordinated by the Edo State Security Corps in collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies.
Key Highlights
- Repentant cultists publicly renounce membership of cult groups in Benin City.
- Participants surrender cult-related regalia and symbols during the ceremony.
- Edo Government plans to link participants to vocational training, skills acquisition and community service.
- Security agencies warn that anyone who returns to cult-related activities will face prosecution.
- Residents call for employment opportunities to help prevent youths from returning to cultism.
- The state government says similar ceremonies will be organised across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
Repentant Cultists Pledge to Embrace Peace
Hundreds of young men reportedly renounced their membership of various cult groups during the ceremony, pledging to abandon violence and turn away from activities associated with cultism.
The participants took oaths before traditional priests and religious leaders as part of the renunciation process. Items associated with cult groups, including regalia and symbols, were also surrendered and destroyed.
A senior government official said the initiative was intended to provide willing participants with an opportunity to leave cultism and rebuild their lives.
“The government will not tolerate cultism. But for those who genuinely want to leave that life, we are providing a pathway to rehabilitation and a second chance,” the official said.
The government stressed that the exercise was not intended to grant a blanket amnesty for criminal offences.
Edo Government Plans Rehabilitation for Former Cultists
The state government said participants who renounce cultism would be profiled and linked to skills acquisition programmes, vocational training and community service opportunities.
The proposed rehabilitation measures are intended to help participants develop practical skills, improve their employment prospects and become productive members of their communities.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders at the event also urged the youths to take the opportunity seriously and avoid returning to violent activities.
They called on the participants to rebuild relationships with their families and communities and contribute to maintaining peace across the state.
Read also:
- Police Parade 23 Suspected Cultists In Bayelsa
- Police Launch Crackdown On Cultism In Bayelsa After 5 Killed in Renewed Cult Clashes
- Governor Okpebholo Advises Nigerians Holding Public Office On Selfless Service
Security Agencies Warn Against Return to Cultism
Security agencies warned that anyone who renounces cultism but subsequently returns to criminal activities could face prosecution under applicable laws, including the Edo State Anti-Cultism Law.
The warning underscores the government’s stated intention to combine rehabilitation opportunities with law enforcement against cult-related violence.
The effectiveness of the programme will depend partly on sustained monitoring, access to rehabilitation services and cooperation between security agencies, community leaders and the participants.
Residents Call for Jobs to Sustain Renunciation
Some residents welcomed the initiative, saying cult clashes have caused deaths, insecurity and disruption in communities across Benin City and other parts of Edo State.
A community leader described the ceremony as a positive step but urged the government to provide employment and economic opportunities for youths who abandon cult groups.
“This is a good step. We need peace in our streets. Government should also follow up with jobs so they don’t go back,” the community leader said.
The appeal highlights the importance of addressing unemployment and limited economic opportunities alongside efforts to tackle cult-related violence.
More Cult Renunciation Ceremonies Planned Across Edo
The Edo State Government said the renunciation ceremony would be held periodically across the state’s three senatorial districts to reach more youths willing to leave cult groups.
The planned expansion is expected to involve traditional institutions, religious organisations, security agencies and community stakeholders.
The government has yet to provide further details on the schedule for subsequent ceremonies or the full scope of the rehabilitation programme.
The initiative represents part of the state’s stated effort to reduce cult-related violence while providing willing participants with opportunities to return to lawful community life.
For more security news, follow us on X.
