Okpebholo Says Fight Against Cultism Is Not New to Him, Recalls ‘Casting Out Demons’ as Teenager
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says his experience confronting insecurity and cultism dates back to his teenage years, recalling that he began what he described as “casting out demons” when he was about 17 or 18.
Okpebholo made the remarks in a video obtained by Globalvoice on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while speaking about young people and his experience dealing with security challenges.
“When I see young ones standing in the presence of God, I remembered at 17-18 I have also started casting out demons,” the governor said.
“So, fighting insecurity and most especially cultism is not a new thing to me. It is something that has been happening.”
The governor did not provide further details in the portion of the video reviewed by Globalvoice about what he meant by “casting out demons” or the circumstances surrounding the activities he referenced from his teenage years.
His comments come as Edo continues to grapple with cult-related violence, kidnapping, armed attacks and other forms of insecurity, particularly in Benin City and other urban centres.
Security Crisis Remains a Major Challenge
A January 2026 security assessment by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), citing conflict and security data, identified criminal activity, cult-related clashes and communal conflict among the major security challenges in Edo State.
According to the assessment, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project recorded 237 security incidents resulting in 212 fatalities between January 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
The incidents were recorded across all 18 local government areas of the state, with Oredo Local Government Area recording the highest number at 71 incidents.
The EUAA assessment also identified cult-related violence as a significant component of Edo's security crisis.
Media reports cited in the assessment documented clashes involving groups including Black Axe, Eiye, Vikings and Maphite.
One particularly deadly episode reportedly occurred between March and April 2025, when at least 15 people were killed in Benin City over four days during violence reportedly linked to a supremacy battle between Black Axe and Maphite.
Government Battles Resurgent Cult Violence
The violence has persisted despite repeated government efforts to dismantle cult networks.
In April 2025, the Edo State Government warned of a resurgence in cult-related violence after six people were reportedly killed in renewed clashes.
The government said it had previously engaged suspected cult-group leaders in an effort to prevent further violence.
Security operations were subsequently intensified.
In May 2026, security personnel arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two properties allegedly being used as initiation centres in Benin City following the killing of a young man near the University of Benin gate.
The operation was conducted under the state government's “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” initiative.
The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Anti-Cultism Unit for profiling and further investigation, according to the state government.
Violence Extends Beyond Cultism
Edo's security problems extend beyond clashes between cult groups.
The EUAA identified cult and criminal violence as major drivers of insecurity in the state, while the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) recorded 18 conflict incidents and 31 conflict-related fatalities in Edo between July and September 2025.
PIND identified criminal activity and cult-related gang clashes among the principal drivers of violence during that period.
The continuing violence has placed pressure on the Okpebholo administration to demonstrate that its security strategy can reduce killings and disrupt criminal networks.
Okpebholo's Security Pledges
Okpebholo has repeatedly pledged to intensify the fight against cultism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality since assuming office.
In July 2025, the governor held a security meeting with commanders and leaders of the state's Special Security Squad, where he called for intensified action against cult groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The state has also strengthened its legal framework for combating cultism.
In January 2025, Edo enacted legislation prescribing severe penalties for cult-related offences.
According to the EUAA assessment, the law provides for a 21-year prison sentence for cult members who assault, injure, maim or kill people in furtherance of cult activities, with the death penalty applicable in cases resulting in fatalities.
A Claim Set Against a Persistent Security Challenge
Okpebholo's assertion that fighting insecurity—and particularly cultism—is “not a new thing” to him comes as his administration faces continuing pressure to curb violence across the state.
His reference to his teenage years provides little detail about the nature of the activities he described, but the broader issue remains clear: cult-related violence has persisted in Edo despite successive security operations, arrests and tougher legislation.
Whether the current administration can translate its repeated security pledges into a sustained reduction in killings remains a central issue for residents across the state.
