The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has arrested 11 suspected members of various cult groups in Benin City and other parts of the state, pledging to stamp out cult-related violence.

Addressing journalists on Thursday in Benin, the state capital, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the arrests were carried out by the task force, which comprises eight security agencies and four ministries.

Nehikhare warned that no political, religious, ethnic, or social standing would shield anyone caught engaging in cult activities.

“The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism has issued a strong warning—there will be no hiding place for cultists in Edo State,” he said.

The task force, led by the Department of State Services, was established by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration to combat rising cult-related killings in the state. Since its inauguration, it has combined community sensitisation with decisive law enforcement actions.

Nehikhare noted that the operatives had intensified crackdowns based on intelligence gathering. On August 7, three suspected cultists were arrested within the Auchi Polytechnic community. Three days later, two more were apprehended during a raid at a hotel in Upper Sakponba, Benin City.

On August 13, a suspected cult leader was captured in Ekosodin, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, followed by a pre-dawn raid the next day, which led to the arrest of five more suspects, including high-ranking leaders.

In total, 11 suspects are now in custody, with investigations ongoing.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing the recently enacted anti-cultism law and the ban on the notorious Okaighele groups.

“This is a stern warning to all cult members: renounce your affiliations now, or face the full wrath of the law,” he said, urging parents to guide their children away from cultism.

He assured that the Governor Obaseki-led administration will not relent until peace and security are fully restored across Edo State.