BENIN CITY – The Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to tackle the increasing wave of cult-related violence in the state, ordering heads of various security agencies to take urgent action against criminal elements, including cultists who have been terrorizing the region.

The directive comes as the state grapples with a series of killings tied to cult clashes, which have escalated in the past two weeks. As of Monday morning, at least seven people have been killed in violent cult confrontations across different parts of Benin City, including Ugbague, Nevis Road, Dawson, Total in New Benin, Iyaro, Wire Road, Ring Road, and Sapele Road.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, confirmed that Okpebholo delivered the directive during a closed-door security meeting held on Monday night at the Government House in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that security is a top priority for his administration, and he is committed to ensuring that Edo State remains safe for all its residents. He stated that cultism had dominated the security discussions during the meeting and that his government would not tolerate any further cult-related killings.

“During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo State,” Okpebholo said, adding that the state government would not rest until the threat posed by cultists is eradicated.

The Governor called on security agencies to collaborate and take decisive action, urging them to “smoke criminals out of the state” and restore safety to the region. He emphasized that Edo State should be safe for law-abiding citizens but “not safe for criminals.”

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, also participated in the security council meeting and confirmed that the various security agencies discussed key concerns and measures to tackle the rising violence. He assured that the Governor’s administration would continue to support security agencies in their efforts to make Edo State safe for everyone.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police stressed the importance of continued collaboration among security agencies to address the growing threat posed by cultists and other criminal elements in the state.