Group hails Okpebholo's crackdown on cultism, urges Oborevwori to adopt similar measures in Delta

The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA), popularly known as "No Justice, No Peace," has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as decisive actions against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, while urging Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to implement similar measures to tackle cult-related violence in Delta.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the National Coordinator of ISRCA, Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oristematosan Agberen, and made available to journalists on Monday.

According to the group, "The Edo State Governor, HE Sen. Monday Okpebholo, may be naive in some aspects of governance, but he deserves accolades for the way he is handling issues of violence, particularly those related to cult clashes, killings and kidnapping activities."

ISRCA further praised the governor's approach to addressing cultism in Benin City, saying, "I seriously admire the decisions he took to relocate cultism out of Benin metropolis. Though at first, the decisions seemed undemocratic and extrajudicial, seeing the implications and detrimental impacts they have on society made it necessary for the Edo State Government to act quickly."

The group noted that the governor's actions, including the demolition of properties allegedly linked to cultists and kidnappers, have sent a strong message to criminal elements. "He took decisive action against homeowners who knowingly harboured tenants involved in such practices and those suspected of related criminal activities by demolishing houses suspected of belonging to or housing cultists or kidnappers, which directly sends a warning message to other cultists".

The group, however, called on Governor Oborevwori to replicate the strategy in Delta State, citing recurring incidents of cult-related killings across several communities. "I am expecting the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to replicate this situation to curb cult violence in Warri, Sapele, Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli, Orerokpe and Oghwashi-Uku. The different episodes of onslaughts by cult groups are appalling and warrant drastic measures to prevent and put a stop to cult violence in the state," it stated. ISRCA also urged the Delta State House of Assembly to enact stricter laws with severe penalties against cult-related activities.

Highlighting the broader impact of cultism, the group warned that the menace fuels violent crimes, including homicide, assault and armed robbery, while creating an atmosphere of fear and instability within communities. It further alleged that some community leaders, security personnel and political actors may be aiding the activities of cult groups, thereby worsening the situation.

To address the problem sustainably, ISRCA advocated the introduction of comprehensive anti-cultism programmes in schools, including counselling and awareness campaigns, while urging civil society organisations and community leaders to intensify grassroots efforts aimed at discouraging cultism among young people.