Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Monday said annual cult-related killings in the state have dropped from 300 to almost zero since he assumed office.

Okpebholo spoke during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism, themed “Restitution, Rehabilitation and Safer Edo State.”

The governor, while commending the youths for publicly renouncing their membership of various cult groups, said they had chosen the right path to save their lives and spare their families further pain.

The governor warned cult members who refuse to renounce their membership that his administration will show them no mercy, saying his administration would continue its fight against crime and criminality until Edo State was safe for residents.

“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in the state. Please take the message back to those that have not changed, they still have the power to renounce because if they are caught, there will be no mercy,” he said.

“The security forces are still behind us. I am ready and hungry to give the directive to demolish any house used for cult-related activities.”

Okpebholo said his administration was offering young people willing to abandon crime opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start.

“We are offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring that your past does not define your future,” he said.

“Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence, and tougher enforcement, these killings have been reduced to almost zero,” he said.

The governor identified cultism as a breeding ground for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, saying the government was working to dismantle criminal networks and provide young people with alternatives to violence.

He urged those yet to renounce cultism not to allow fear, intimidation or peer pressure to prevent them from taking advantage of the rehabilitation programme.

“Your life is worth more than cult loyalty. Your family, community and Edo State need you,” he said.

On his part the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, also commended Okpebholo for his efforts in tacklin criminality, particularly cultism.

Daaor said the renunciation programme was aimed at saving young lives and encouraging former cult members to become productive members of society.

“This event today shows you love the lives of Edo youths and don’t want them to be killed anymore but live a productive life. Cultism is a path that leads to death and for young men here today, please don’t follow the path of death anymore,” he said.

The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, said cult-related activities had destroyed lives and property across the state.

He said the government’s efforts demonstrated the governor’s commitment and political will to restore peace, adding that the establishment of a Special Criminal Court had further strengthened the state’s criminal justice system.

Otaru urged cult members to take advantage of the renunciation programme and become law-abiding citizens.