Edo Government Launches Campaign Against Cultism and Drug Abuse

The Edo State Government has raised alarm over the rising toll of cult‑related killings, warning that the violence has left behind widows and fatherless children across communities.

Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, made the remarks on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during the launch of a statewide campaign against cultism and drug abuse in Benin City.

Izegaegbe urged stakeholders to collaborate with government in tackling drug abuse, cultism, and related crimes.

He explained that the Governor Monday Okpebholo‑led administration has taken the campaign directly to schools to sensitize students. “The campaign is aimed at catching children young,” he said.

Coordinator of the Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, noted that Governor Okpebholo had declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism.

He said this led to the creation of the squad, popularly known as Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.

Noah, who also serves as Principal Security Officer to the governor, explained that the campaign began in Edo South and would extend to Edo Central and Edo North.

“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,” he said.

The squad has already visited Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, and Edo Boys High School as part of the sensitization drive.

Voices From the Campaign

Former lawmaker Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, guest speaker at the event, described cultism and drug abuse as critical social threats.

“Cultism, drug abuse, and substance dependency destroy young lives and undermine the future of society,” he warned, urging students to disassociate themselves from the scourge.

Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, commended the governor’s initiative and called for the creation of anti‑cultism clubs in all secondary schools across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Students also expressed support. Ihogbe College Head Girl, Aisosa Osakpamwan, and Head Boy, Blessed Edomwonyi, thanked the governor, saying the campaign was timely and would help curb cultism in schools.

The campaign reflects Edo State’s shift from general public awareness to direct engagement with students, recognizing that cultism and drug abuse increasingly affect younger age groups.

Officials say the initiative will spread from Edo State to other parts of Nigeria, reinforcing the message that neither cultism nor drug abuse is an option for the nation’s youth.

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