Edo’s Last Stand: Why Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Anti-Cultism War is Vital for the Future and Why Edo People Must Rally Behind It

Edo’s Last Stand: Why Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Anti-Cultism War is Vital for the Future and Why Edo People Must Rally Behind It

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Edo State, once a serene and thriving heartland of culture, has found itself trapped in a vicious cycle of violence. The origins of this chaos can be traced back to the early 1990s when cultism began to take root in the state’s higher institutions, notably the University of Benin and Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma. It was at this time that the university campuses became breeding grounds for dangerous cult groups, initially born from student fraternities that promised unity, strength, and protection, but eventually devolved into criminal enterprises marked by intimidation, extortion, and bloodshed.

In the early years, the violent cult wars were contained largely within the campuses and their surrounding communities. For the average person, staying away from these areas meant safety—an unofficial buffer zone where ordinary citizens were free from the bloody feuds between rival cult groups. This period saw cult members clashing in dark corners of the campuses, fighting over supremacy, territory, and resources. At the time, it appeared that the struggle was confined to those who chose to live by the cult’s brutal code.

But as time passed, the nature of cult violence in Edo State evolved. What began as a student issue soon spread beyond the boundaries of the campuses, and the violence that was once relegated to the university’s walls began to spill into towns and villages, affecting everyone, even those with no connection to the cults. The devastation that followed was undeniable. Communities that were once peaceful found themselves at the mercy of these criminal groups. The cults had ceased to be a mere problem within the educational system; they were now an endemic issue, one that affected the very fabric of Edo State society.

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s decision to wage a war against cultism came not a moment too soon. His administration, sensing the growing threat to public safety, recognized that the situation had long since crossed a dangerous threshold. It was no longer just a matter of campus rivalries or territorial disputes—it had become a matter of life and death. The cult groups that once fought over petty dominance were now battling to control vast swaths of territory, spreading their influence into towns, marketplaces, and even government institutions. Now, no one was safe, not even innocent bystanders who were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. The fear of being labeled a “mistaken identity” victim was as real as the constant worry that violence could erupt at any moment.

The Governor’s stance on tackling cultism head-on, with a no-nonsense approach to rooting out these groups, is a response to the state’s growing insecurity. This war against cultism is not just a political move; it’s a necessary intervention in the face of a dire reality. Over the past several years, cult-related violence has claimed countless lives, and the situation has only worsened with time. According to reports, at least ten lives are lost every three months to these senseless conflicts. Innocent men, women, and children have become casualties in a war they had no part in, while those directly involved in the cults have grown bolder, committing crimes with impunity.

While the Governor’s actions have been praised by many, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Edo State is a complex web of societal and cultural dynamics, and the anti-cultism initiative cannot afford to ignore the intricacies of the situation. One of the most difficult aspects of this fight is the widespread and deeply entrenched nature of cult groups. These groups have infiltrated nearly every sector of society, from the political sphere to the business world, from schools to the streets. Many of the younger generation, having grown up in an environment where cultism has been normalized, view these organizations as sources of power and influence. For some, joining a cult is seen as a rite of passage, a way to gain respect or protection in a world where safety is not guaranteed.

Governor Okpebholo’s plan to eradicate cultism hinges on the support of the people. However, this support must come with caution. The fight against cultism cannot be one-size-fits-all. The state must be wary not to target innocent people who have long distanced themselves from the cults. Many members, particularly the elderly, have already turned their backs on these violent groups and should not be punished for the sins of others. The war must be focused on the true perpetrators—the leaders, the recruiters, and those who perpetuate violence. It is essential that Edo’s response to cultism be measured, intelligent, and strategic, ensuring that those who are still trapped in these criminal organizations are offered a way out, rather than further criminalizing them.

The fear that surrounds the fight against cultism is real. There is a concern that this war could be easily co-opted by political interests, with cult groups being used as pawns in a game of power struggles. But for the people of Edo, this war is not about politics; it is about survival. The community must understand that the fight is not just for today, but for the future. The younger generation cannot continue to live in fear, and they certainly cannot continue to be raised in an environment where violence is the norm.

Ultimately, the success of Governor Okpebholo’s anti-cultism war will depend on the commitment of all sectors of society. The Governor can only do so much, but the people—youths, elders, students, security agencies, and civil society groups—must all play their part. This is a war that must be fought on all fronts, from the grassroots to the government. It’s not just about eradicating cults; it’s about reclaiming the peace, prosperity, and dignity that the people of Edo deserve.

Edo’s youth deserve better. The future of the state is at stake, and it is high time that cultism, a menace that has held the state hostage for decades, is eradicated once and for all. The road to recovery will not be easy, but it is a road that must be walked if the people of Edo are to enjoy the peace and safety they have longed for.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.