Edo State Raises Alarm Over Growing Number of Widows and Orphans Linked to Cult Violence
The Edo State Government has voiced serious concern over the increasing number of widows and fatherless children emerging from persistent cult-related killings across the state, describing the trend as a growing social crisis with far-reaching consequences for families and communities.
State officials made this known during the launch of a renewed campaign against cultism and drug abuse held in Benin City on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to curb rising insecurity linked to cult activities and substance abuse.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad—popularly known as “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”—John Izegaegbe, highlighted the devastating human cost of cult violence. According to him, the number of families affected by cult-related killings has continued to grow, leaving behind widows and children without fathers.
He stressed that the state government is deeply concerned about the social and economic impact of these losses, noting that beyond the immediate violence, the consequences extend to long-term instability in affected households and communities.
Izegaegbe called on community leaders, parents, educators, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the government in addressing cultism and drug abuse. He emphasized that the fight against these issues cannot be left solely to security agencies but requires collective societal action.
As part of ongoing efforts to tackle the problem, the state government has begun taking its anti-cultism and anti-drug campaigns directly into schools. According to Izegaegbe, this approach aims to educate young people early about the dangers associated with cultism and substance abuse, thereby preventing recruitment into such activities.
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“We are targeting young people because prevention is key,” he explained. “The goal is to catch them early and ensure they understand the consequences of engaging in cultism and drug-related activities.”
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad and Principal Security Officer to the governor, Idemudia Noah, reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward cultism and drug abuse. He noted that the establishment of the special security squad followed the governor’s directive to intensify the fight against insecurity and social vices across the state.
Noah disclosed that the campaign initially focused on sensitizing the general public but has now shifted to schools after authorities observed that younger individuals were increasingly becoming involved in cult activities. Schools visited as part of the campaign include Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, and Edo Boys High School, among others.
He added that the campaign began in Edo South Senatorial District and will be extended to Edo Central and Edo North in the coming weeks, with the aim of reaching communities across all 18 local government areas.
“The governor has directed that we take this message to the grassroots,” Noah said. “From secondary schools to tertiary institutions, and even primary schools where necessary, we want to ensure that young people understand the dangers and avoid these paths.”
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who attended the event as a guest speaker, described cultism and drug abuse as critical threats undermining the future of young people and the stability of society. He urged students to reject involvement in such activities, warning that they often lead to violence, imprisonment, or loss of life.
School authorities also expressed support for the initiative. The Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, commended the government’s proactive approach and called for the establishment of anti-cultism clubs in secondary schools across the state to sustain awareness efforts.
Student representatives, including the Head Girl of Ihogbe College, Aisosa Osakpamwan, and the Head Boy, Blessed Edomwonyi, described the campaign as timely and necessary. They pledged to share the message among their peers and support efforts to reduce cultism in schools.
State officials say the campaign will continue in phases, combining sensitization, enforcement, and community engagement as part of a long-term strategy to reduce cult-related violence and its devastating social impact.