Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-A 29-year-old man has voluntarily renounced his membership of a cult group and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State, in what officials have described as a significant breakthrough in the state’s campaign against cult-related crimes.

The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City on Friday.

Aidamebor said the development followed a security alert from the Acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Blessing Ebhodaghe, who reported hearing suspicious noises from a school located near his residence.

According to him, the chairman promptly alerted the Edo State Security Corps, which immediately contacted the Nigeria Police. Security operatives responded swiftly, arrested several young men and took them to the police station for interrogation. Some of the suspects were later released after investigations established they had no criminal involvement.

He explained that following the incident, Ebhodaghe held a meeting with the youths, during which he urged them to shun cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

Aidamebor said one of the youths later approached the chairman, expressing his desire to abandon cultism and begin a new life.

“The chairman immediately informed the Edo State Security Corps and the Divisional Police Officer. The young man voluntarily surrendered a Beretta pistol in his possession,” Aidamebor said.

He added that the suspect and the recovered firearm were subsequently taken to Benin City, where the pistol was formally handed over to the police for further investigation.

The security commander commended the young man’s decision, describing it as courageous and worthy of emulation. He urged other cult members across the state to take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation efforts by renouncing criminal activities and embracing lawful means of livelihood.

Aidamebor also reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, to sustaining its crackdown on cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Confirming the development, Ebhodaghe appealed to youths involved in cult activities to follow the example set by the 29-year-old by abandoning crime and embracing a productive future.

The former cult member, who described himself as an aspiring musician, said he had no regrets about his decision to leave the group.

He explained that he made the decision after listening to Ebhodaghe’s message to residents on the dangers of cultism and other social vices during a recent visit to his community.

According to him, the chairman’s appeal prompted him to reflect on his life and resolve to turn a new leaf. He said he informed a friend of his decision before surrendering the Beretta pistol to the authorities.

The young man added that he deliberately chose not to sell or hand over the firearm to anyone because he feared it could be used to commit crimes that might eventually be traced to him.

He further disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo encouraged him to use his experience to persuade other youths to renounce cultism and also motivated him to pursue his ambition of building a career in music.