The Benin Summit Group has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his administration’s renewed efforts to tackle cultism, while calling for investigations into individuals allegedly financing, protecting or sponsoring cult groups in the state.
The group made the call following a mass renunciation ceremony held in Benin City on October 12, 2026, during which hundreds of youths reportedly renounced membership of various cult groups.
In a statement signed by its Chairman in Council, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the group described the exercise, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State,” as an opportunity to restore peace, protect lives and help young people abandon violence.
However, it stressed that the fight against cultism must extend beyond the youths directly involved in violence to include individuals suspected of providing financial support, political protection or other assistance to criminal networks.
The group urged Okpebholo to sustain the momentum by ensuring that credible allegations of political sponsorship, financial backing and protection of cult groups were thoroughly investigated.
It maintained that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation, wealth, social status or connections.
According to the group, efforts to eradicate cultism would remain incomplete if only those directly involved in violent activities were pursued while individuals allegedly recruiting, financing, arming or shielding them escaped scrutiny.
It called for intelligence-led investigations, effective prosecution and accountability at all levels to address the root causes of cult-related violence.
The Benin Summit Group also urged the state government to strengthen rehabilitation programmes and expand access to education, vocational training and employment opportunities for youths willing to abandon criminal activities.
While acknowledging the reported mass renunciation exercise, the group said the ultimate measure of success would be a sustained reduction in cult-related killings, safer communities and the dismantling of networks responsible for perpetuating violence.
It further called on community leaders, traditional institutions, parents, civil society organisations and residents to support lawful efforts to combat cultism and protect the future of Edo State.
“Edo deserves lasting peace. The fight against cultism must be sustained, impartial and uncompromising, with investigations following the evidence wherever it leads,” the statement said.
The group reiterated its appeal to the governor to ensure that nobody was shielded from accountability because of political influence or social standing.
It emphasised that the success of the anti-cultism campaign would depend not only on persuading members to renounce their affiliations but also on addressing the structures and networks that sustain cult-related violence.
The statement was signed by Earl Osaro Onaiwu, Chairman in Council of the Benin Summit Group.
