29-Year Old Renounces Cultism, Surrenders Pistol in Edo

A 29 year old aspiring musician has voluntarily renounced cultism and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State after listening to an anti cultism message delivered by the Acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Blessing Ebhodaghe.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, the development followed a security operation initiated after the council chairman reported suspicious activity near a school in his community. Security personnel responded promptly, arrested several suspects for questioning and later released some after investigations.

The statement explained that after meeting with the youths and urging them to abandon cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities, one of the young men approached the chairman to declare his decision to leave his cult group. The chairman immediately alerted the Edo State Security Corps and the police, after which the young man voluntarily handed over the Beretta pistol in his possession.

The suspect and the recovered firearm were subsequently taken to Benin City, where the weapon was formally handed over to the police. The former cult member said he was inspired to change after reflecting on the chairman’s message and chose not to sell or transfer the firearm because he feared it could be used to commit crimes.

The Edo State Government described the development as encouraging and urged other youths involved in cult related activities to embrace lawful living.

Governor Monday Okpebholo also encouraged the young man, who is pursuing a career in music, to use his experience to persuade others to renounce cultism and contribute positively to society.