FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has intensified its efforts to combat cultism and drug abuse among youth through a strategic and enlightenment-based campaign aimed at secondary school students within the Edo South Senatorial District. The initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to shaping a safer and more responsible environment for the future Leaders of the State.
In line with the policy of “Catch Them Young,” the Administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has prioritized direct engagement with students, conducting sensitization sessions in various secondary schools to educate Pupils on the dangers and devastating consequences of drug misuse, cult-related activities, and associated crimes. The Campaign seeks to foster awareness and resilience among young people, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices.
As part of this intensified effort, the Government has also established 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 Security Expert Idemudia Noah, the Squad collaborates with other Security Agencies and Stakeholders to implement the Campaign. Their recent outreach saw visits to prominent Institutions such as Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, and Edo Boys High School.
During the Outreach at these Schools, Noah explained that the Government initially focused its Anti-Cultism and Drug Abuse Campaign on the general Public but has now shifted to a targeted approach aimed at the Youth in Educational Institutions. “Starting from Edo South, we are taking the message directly to Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Institutions,” he stated. “The goal is to eradicate cultism from the State, and we believe that early intervention at the School level can significantly curb this menace.”
He further revealed that the campaign would soon extend to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, with plans to eventually roll out the initiative across the entire state, and ultimately, nationwide.
During the program, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, a guest speaker and prominent community leader, warned of the societal dangers posed by Cultism and Drug dependency, emphasizing that these issues threaten the safety, stability, and future of Communities. He urged Students to resist Peer Pressure and reject involvement in Cult-related activities, stressing that such choices could ruin their lives and aspirations.
Dr. Chris Okaka, a Faculty member from the University of Benin’s Faculty of Arts, commended the Governor’s proactive approach. He advised Students to focus on their education and avoid negative influences that could lead them astray. “There is nothing beneficial about joining cults or abusing drugs,” he cautioned. “Young people should avoid bad friends and peer pressure to secure a brighter future.”
The Campaign’s Secretary, John Izegaegbe, highlighted the alarming rise in social issues stemming from cultism, including an increase in widows and orphaned children. He called on all Stakeholders—Parents, Teachers, Community Leaders, and Security Agencies—to collaborate with the Government in eradicating Cultism and Substance Abuse in Edo State.
In addition, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, the Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, applauded the Government’s initiative and proposed the establishment of Anti-Cultism Clubs across the 18 Local Government Areas. Such Clubs, he argued, would serve as platforms for continuous education and Peer-led initiatives against Cultism.
Students from the visited schools expressed appreciation for the campaign. Aisosa Osakpamwan, Head Girl of Ihogbe College, and Blessed Edomwonyi, Head Boy, both acknowledged the timeliness of the intervention and expressed optimism that it would significantly reduce Cult-related activities within the Educational Environment.
This Comprehensive Campaign underscores Edo State’s unwavering resolve to protect its Youth from the destructive influences of Cultism and Drug Abuse, fostering a safer, healthier, and more productive society for generations to come.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO, FIC Benin.
February 12th, 2026.
