HURIWA thumbs up Edo gov over massive crackdown on cultism

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his rare and courageous stance in waging an all-out war against cultism and cult-related violence in the state.

The group described the governor’s approach as exemplary and urged other state governors to emulate the action, warning that cult-related killings remain a major national security challenge.

In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, HURIWA noted that the level of political will demonstrated by Governor Okpebholo in tackling cultism is a clear sign that he is not compromised by affiliations to cult organizations.

“It is rare to see any governor in Nigeria today tackle cultism head-on because a significant number of Nigeria’s political class, especially those at the state and federal levels, are deeply entrenched in cult-related affiliations. We estimate that up to 75 percent of political office holders in Nigeria have connections to one form of cult or the other,” HURIWA said in a statement made available to PlatinumPost by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.

The group applauded the governor’s actions and ongoing legislative support from the Edo State House of Assembly to combat the menace, urging that new laws be enacted to make capital punishment mandatory for any cultist convicted of murder or ritual killing. “Any group of people whose activities revolve around shedding blood or promoting violence must be dealt with decisively and within the bounds of the law,” the association stated.

HURIWA pointed out that recent violent clashes attributed to cult groups have turned many parts of Edo State into killing fields, particularly among the youth. While the association acknowledged that not all groups linked to violence are unregistered or illegal, it emphasized that any organization duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission must live up to the expectations of lawful conduct and must ensure that none of its members engage in activities that compromise public peace.

“Registered organizations must not be seen to be violent. If members of any legally recognized group are found perpetrating acts of violence, then the group’s leadership must urgently rise to condemn such acts, expel the erring members, and work with law enforcement agencies to restore order. Silence in such situations may be perceived as complicity,” HURIWA warned.

HURIWA said Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated exemplary leadership in a context where many governors look the other way or, worse still, sponsor these violent groups for political control. The group hailed the recent arrests and dismantling of cult enclaves by Edo State security agencies as concrete proof that political will can make a difference.

The civil rights advocacy group also issued a nationwide call to action, urging state governors in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Bayelsa — states where cultism has reportedly reached alarming proportions — to replicate Edo’s aggressive anti-cultism measures. The association lamented that many governors have historically avoided taking such bold steps due to their own alleged affiliations.

“The war against cultism must be national. If every state government took this threat as seriously as Governor Okpebholo is doing, Nigeria would see a dramatic reduction in ritual killings, youth violence, and politically motivated bloodshed,” HURIWA said.

It further called on the Edo State Government to conduct extensive community engagements, sensitize the youth about the dangers of cultism, and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant cult members into society. The group urged religious institutions, traditional rulers, community-based organizations, and youth associations to partner with the state government in restoring peace.

The statement concluded with a passionate appeal to the people of Edo State to support the governor’s anti-cultism campaign, irrespective of political affiliation. “This fight is for the soul of Edo. It transcends party lines. The people must rise and back their governor in the battle to reclaim the state from bloodthirsty cultists,” HURIWA affirmed.

HURIWA reiterated that no group, regardless of its registration status, has the right to operate above the law or violate the fundamental rights of others. “Registered or not, any association found complicit in fostering a culture of violence must be confronted lawfully and decisively. The sanctity of human life is paramount and must not be sacrificed on the altar of secret cult loyalties or political ambition,” the association declared.