Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he would not spare even his own son if he became involved in cultism or kidnapping, warning that his administration would not tolerate criminality in the state.
Okpebholo stated this on Monday in Benin during a mass renunciation and denunciation of cultism organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSSS), where more than 500 members of various cult groups publicly renounced their membership and were granted amnesty.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor said he had the support of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies in his efforts to tackle cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo.
“If there is one thing that Mr President is happy about, it’s making Edo free of criminality,” he said.
Okpebholo stressed that protecting residents was his primary responsibility and that nobody would be exempt from the law, regardless of their relationship with him.
“My duty is very clear. The oath I took is to protect the people of Edo. This I must carry out without fear or favour of anybody. Even if that person is my child, I won’t know you at that moment,” he said.
The governor warned those involved in criminal activities that they would find no hiding place in the state.
“Those who think they can do it, let them know that there is no hiding place for criminality in Edo State,” he added.
Earlier, the Coordinator of ESSSS, Naoh Idemudia, said the security outfit had recorded significant achievements in supporting the state government’s efforts to combat insecurity since its inauguration.
Idemudia attributed the progress to the governor’s support and political will, saying the squad had adopted a different approach to crime prevention and complemented the work of conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He commended Okpebholo for providing the platform and backing needed for the outfit to carry out its responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, urged youths involved in cultism to abandon the practice, warning that it often leads to destruction and death.
Quoting Proverbs 16:25 of the Bible, Daaor said cultism might appear attractive to young people initially but could ultimately destroy their lives and aspirations.
He said many youths had lost their lives and futures after joining cult groups, adding that the amnesty programme offered beneficiaries an opportunity to change their ways and rebuild their lives.
The police commissioner commended Okpebholo for the initiative, describing it as evidence of the governor’s concern for the future of Edo youths.
According to Daaor, the programme reflects an effort to prevent young people from following a path that could endanger their lives and undermine the state’s future.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and avoid returning to cultism or criminal activities.
“Amnesty may be coming from you, but it’s one of those branches of the mercies of God that God is extending,” Daaor said, urging the beneficiaries not to treat the opportunity lightly.
Discussion about this post