The Edo State Government has embarked on a strategic, enlightenment-driven campaign against cultism and drug abuse across secondary schools in the Edo South Senatorial District.
In a move to “catch them young,” the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken the campaign directly to schools, sensitising students on the dangers associated with drug abuse, cultism, and cult-related crimes in the state.
The Okpebholo-led administration has declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism, leading to the establishment of the Edo State Special Security Squad, popularly known as “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.”
Led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor, and coordinated by Idemudia Noah, the squad — alongside security agencies and other stakeholders — visited Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, Edo Boys High School, among others.
Speaking during the outreach, the Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, said the government had initially focused its campaign on the general public but decided to shift strategy by targeting students directly.
He noted that the campaign, which began in Edo South, would be extended to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, stressing that the Okpebholo administration has zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism.
> “The campaign was first taken to the society, but now we want to take our message to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. Even primary and secondary school students are now involved in these activities,” he said.
> “Governor Okpebholo charged us to take the campaign to the grassroots to ensure cultism is eradicated from the state. Starting from secondary schools will greatly help in fighting this scourge.
> “We started in Edo South, and we will move to Edo Central and Edo North. From Edo State, the message will spread across the nation.”
Hon. E.J.Agbonayinma who was also a guest speaker at the occasion said cultism, drug abuse and substance dependency are critical social threats that continue to endanger the community, destroying young lives and undermine the future of the society.
He called on the student to join the fight against cultism and drug abuse, he noted that Cultism and drug abuse is not an option urging the student to disassociate themselves from the scourge which can destroy their lives and future.
Guest speaker from the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Dr. Chris Okaka, who commended Governor Okpebholo for the initiative, urged students to shun cultism and drug abuse.
He advised them to avoid negative peer pressure and focus on their studies in order to contribute positively to society.
> “There is nothing good in becoming a cult member or using drugs; it will destroy your ambition. Avoid bad friends and negative influence that may lead to cultism or drug addiction in the future,” he warned.
The Secretary of the Squad, John Izegaegbe, said cultism has increased the number of widows and fatherless children in society, calling on all stakeholders to collaborate with the government in fighting drug abuse, cultism, and cult-related crimes in Edo State.
The Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, also commended the governor for the initiative and appealed for the creation of anti-cultism clubs in secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state to further spread the message.
Students of Ihogbe College, including the Head Girl, Aisosa Osakpamwan, and the Head Boy, Blessed Edomwonyi, thanked the governor for his efforts, noting that the campaign was timely and would help curb cultism in schools across the state.
