Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said his efforts to confront insecurity, cultism, and other social vices in the state are rooted in experiences dating back to his teenage years.
The governor, while speaking on his administration’s approach to tackling insecurity and cult-related activities, recalled that he began confronting what he described as spiritual manifestations and casting out demons when he was about 17 or 18 years old.
According to Okpebholo, the fight against insecurity and cultism is not a new challenge to him, stressing that he has been involved in efforts to confront such issues long before assuming political office.
“I started casting out demons at 17, 18,” the governor said while reflecting on his long-standing engagement with issues involving spiritual and social challenges.
Okpebholo linked his current efforts to restore security and order in Edo State to his broader determination to confront activities capathat threaten safety and well-being of residents.
The governor has continued to identify insecurity, cultism and criminal activities as major concerns requiring firm and coordinated action by the government and security agencies.
He maintained that addressing insecurity requires more than political statements, but sustained efforts to protect communities, strengthen security measures and discourage young people from becoming involved in criminal and cult-related activities.
His comments come amid ongoing concerns over cultism and violent crime in parts of Edo State, where successive administrations have faced pressure to improve public safety and tackle the activities of criminal groups.
Okpebholo’s remarks also highlighted his view that his administration’s security campaign is part of a broader personal commitment to confronting threats to society, rather than an issue he only became concerned about after entering public office.
The governor said his administration would continue to work towards creating a safer environment for residents while confronting activities that undermine peace and security across the state.
He further emphasised the need for collective efforts involving government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, religious organisations, parents and young people in addressing the root causes of cultism and insecurity.
The Edo State Government has continued to place security among its key priorities, with the governor repeatedly calling for stronger measures to protect residents and maintain law and order.
Okpebholo’s latest remarks therefore place his administration’s campaign against insecurity and cultism within the context of his claimed personal experience of confronting such challenges from an early age.
