Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reinforced his administration’s clampdown on cultism and kidnapping with tough new laws and aggressive enforcement measures aimed at restoring public safety.
In a decisive move, the governor recently signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, prescribing 21 years imprisonment for cult sponsors, 10 years for harbouring cultists, and the death penalty for cult-related killings and kidnappings. Properties linked to these crimes are now subject to immediate demolition.
Since then, several criminal hideouts have been demolished, including buildings in Illeh, Uromi and a property in Esioriri-Erah, Owan East LGA, confirmed to have been used for kidnappings. Notably, the government sealed off Eterno Hotel in Benin City’s GRA, allegedly a meeting spot for cult groups.
The administration also lifted the ban on the Edo State Vigilante Network and supplied additional patrol vehicles to strengthen police operations. Governor Okpebholo earlier convened a security council meeting, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to halt bloody cult clashes in Benin City.
Despite sporadic incidents, security agencies remain firm, with the governor declaring that Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. The government has pledged continued arrests, demolitions, and prosecutions to secure the state.
