The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” recently staged a road walk sensitization campaign across major streets of Benin City, the state capital, to raise public awareness about the dangers of cultism and kidnapping.
The awareness walk, which attracted the attention of residents and passersby, commenced at the Edo State Government House and proceeded through Airport Road, ending at the popular Ring Road. Security operatives dressed in branded T-shirts and carrying banners with bold messages such as “Okpebholo Says No to Cultism and Kidnapping” marched alongside over 200 participants, signaling strong community support for a safer Edo.
Speaking to journalists during the exercise, the Secretary of the Squad, John Isegaigbe, said the walk was a deliberate effort to send a clear message to citizens—especially the youth—that the state government is committed to stamping out cultism and kidnapping.
“This is a special message from the Governor of Edo State, who is our chief host. We are the messengers,” Isegaigbe said.
“We chose today for this awareness because it’s a day we will catch everyone’s attention. Please note that the anti-cultism law has been reviewed and is now active. Under the 2025 Anti-Cultism Law, offenders face 21 years’ imprisonment and demolition of properties used to support such crimes. There’s no gain in cultism. We’ve lost too many youths. Let’s wake up and stop the killings.”
The Squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Nwanta, reaffirmed the state government’s tough stance on security. He stressed that while the administration is not interested in demolishing citizens’ properties, it will not tolerate the shedding of innocent blood.
“The governor is not interested in demolishing your buildings, as long as you don’t kill any of his citizens. But once blood is spilled, he will come after you,” Nwanta warned.
“Imagine losing a child you trained through school to cult violence. That’s unacceptable. The real heroes of the peace we enjoy today are the good people of Auchi and Ibie, who demanded justice when an innocent man was killed in their community. They insisted on demolishing the buildings used by cultists. That is the spirit we need.”
Nwanta urged young people to reject crime and work towards building a better future for themselves and the state.
“It is a taboo for parents to bury their children. Let’s stop cultism,” he added.
Other members of the squad, including Osarentin Anthony Imoruye, George Aburimen, and Joshua Otobo, also addressed participants, reiterating their commitment to the campaign and calling on Edo youths to embrace peace and shun violence.
The road walk was well received by residents and stood as a powerful demonstration of solidarity in Edo State’s intensified war against cultism and kidnapping.
