Edo’s Okpebholo Proposes Amnesty Deal To Cult Groups

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended an olive branch to cult members across the state, offering amnesty as part of a broader initiative to curb violent crime.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday, the governor called on individuals involved in cult activities to renounce their affiliations, surrender their weapons, and embrace rehabilitation.

Okpebholo revealed plans to constitute a technical committee tasked with overseeing the disarmament and reintegration process. The committee will also address related criminal behavior, including the persistent threat of kidnapping.

“This amnesty initiative is a decisive step toward restoring peace and ensuring public safety,” the governor stated, urging those involved to take advantage of the opportunity to turn their lives around.

He said, “I am dangling a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty.

“A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment programme in order to make them useful to themselves and to the society in the long run,” said Governor Okpebholo.

“My administration’s resolve will set up a technical committee to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime, including kidnapping.

He assured that peace would be restored to all restive communities in the state, including Oko-oroma, Amagba, and Obagie. He added that he would support community leaders in fostering lasting peace, particularly as the government proceeded with the development of the new city in the state.

Africa Today News, New York