The Edo State Government is scheduled to host a public ceremony for youths willing to renounce cultism on Monday, October 12, 2026, as part of the efforts to address cult-related activities and youth violence.
The ceremony, expected to be hosted by Governor Monday Okpebholo, is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Vice Tor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City.
Organised by the State Special Security Squad, the event is intended to provide a platform for participants to publicly declare their decision to disengage from cult groups and commit to lawful conduct.
The event was announced in an invitation letter dated October 5, 2026, signed by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Saturday Austin Oko, and circulated to journalists in Benin City.
The government has called on youths involved in cult-related activities who are willing to renounce their membership to participate in the exercise.
Cultism and associated violence have remained security concerns in parts of Edo State, prompting interventions aimed at addressing youth involvement in such activities.
The planned ceremony is expected to form part of the state’s broader response to insecurities, with an emphasis on encouraging youths to abandon cult-related activities and pursue lawful means of engagement.
The extent to which the initiative will contribute to reducing cult-related violence will depend, in part, on the support and follow-up measures available to participants after the ceremony.
