By Tobore Jerome
In November 2024, when Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office in Edo State, many wondered how he would address the longstanding security challenges that have dogged the state: Cultism, kidnappings, criminal hideouts, touts activities and communal tensions. Within a relatively short period, his administration has signalled an aggressive and multidimensional approach to turning the tide.
From the outset, Governor Okpebholo has made security a topmost priority in his “SHINE” agenda which is aimed at restoring the lost glory of Edo State and positioning it once again as a leading constituent unit among the committee of states in Nigeria and beyond. He has emphasized community policing, modern tools and training for security forces, and enhanced collaboration among agencies.
With the signing into law of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, by the governor in the first quarter of this year, the law which replaced the 2018 version, introduced a mandatory 10-year jail terms for harboring cultists, 21 years for sponsors or cultists involved in injury or property destruction, and the death penalty for cult-related killings.
As well as the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025: that prescribes death sentence for kidnappers if lives are lost, life imprisonment for surviving victims, and 14–21 years for accomplices or ransom negotiators. This clearly demonstrates the governor’s zeal in tackling the menace of insecurity in Edo State.
Similarly, the procurement of over 100 Hilux operational vehicles, modern communication gadgets, and the recent purchase of more than 300 motorcycles for rapid response and surveillance, especially in remote areas. The demolition of properties identified as being used by kidnappers, cultists, or as criminal hideouts is clearly sending a deterrent message to everyone who intends to perpetuate crime in Edo State.
The people’s action governor, recognizing the role of traditional rulers and local leadership, has sought to restore statutory rights of traditional institutions and engage them in grassroots security maintenance.
Governor Okpebholo has taken steps to ensure that security interventions are not hampered by corruption or political interference. Examples include swift suspensions of officials over financial infractions to show that no one is above the law. The administration has equally provided material and financial support to security agencies to enable operational efficiency.
Governor Okpebholo strengthening the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and the setting up of a taskforce named “OPERATION FLUSH OUT KIDNAPPERS AND CULTIST” which comprises law enforcement agents such as the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, vigilantes, repented cult members, hunters has gone a long way in reducing violent crimes and reorganizing community policing to boost intelligence gathering and early warnings.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement released on Friday, September 19, 2025, said the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, during the week, commenced mass demolition of properties linked to suspected cultists in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State in high-stakes operation led by the Chief Security Officer, Government House and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).
Itua stated that about twenty suspects were arrested during the operations, and four houses were demolished, that the building, which serves as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence. Pointing out that a suspected cultist known as “Too-Believe”, who is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region is currently on the run, and that a building located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi owned by Too-Believe was demolished.
He further stated that the recent operation follows the brutal killing of a young man (a barber) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes, and authorities also conducted a related sweep at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where suspects were arrested.
“The recent operation follows the brutal killing of a young man (a barber ) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes.
”Another house also demolished in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belongs to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber.
“A property in the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe belonging to another cult leader was also demolished. The house was earlier raided a day before, which led to the arrest of two young men, Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21). The suspects confessed they were brought to the area to engage in cybercrime activities commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.
“Authorities also conducted a related sweep at Hybrid Hotel and Suites in Elele, Uzairue, where suspects were arrested.
“Speaking after the demolition exercise at Egbiadokhai Street, John Izegaegbe, Secretary of the State Security Squad, said: “The Governor gave 166 days of grace to all cultists to renounce, offering soft loans and skills training. That window was ignored. Now, desperate times call for desperate action. This demolition is a warning to all landlords and cultists, stay out of cultism or face the full wrath of the law.”
“He emphasized that the house was directly linked to the murder in Auchi earlier in the week, with evidence including weapons and cult insignia found on-site,” he added.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership marks a departure from inertia to decisive action in the security domain in Edo State. His strategy rooted in legal reform, operational readiness, community engagement, and accountability is already yielding dividends. The combination of bold interventions and a people-centred vision is positioning Edo for a more secure, more stable future. His approach might well redefine what good governance in security looks like for states in Nigeria.
