As a long-term measure to rid Edo State of the menace of cultism and drug abuse, the state government has taken its enlightenment campaign to secondary schools, beginning from Edo South senatorial district.
The strategic “catch them young” awareness campaign is aimed at sensitising students on the dangers associated with drug abuse, cultism, and cult-related crimes in the state.
Declaring a zero-tolerance for the twin vices of cultism and drug abuse, the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration, 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 Idemudia Noah, the squad, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, visited Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, Edo Boys High School, all in Benin City, among others.
Speaking during the outreach, Noah said the government had initially focused its campaign on the public but decided to shift strategy by targeting students directly.
He noted that the campaign, which began in Edo South, would be extended to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, stressing that the Okpebholo administration has zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism.
According to the squad’s coordinator, “The campaign was first taken to the society, but now we want to take our message to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. Even primary and secondary school students are now involved in these activities”.
“Governor Okpebholo charged us to take the campaign to the grassroots to ensure cultism is eradicated from the state. Starting from secondary schools will greatly help in fighting this scourge.
“We started in Edo South, and we will move to Edo Central and Edo North. From Edo State, the message will spread across the nation.”
A guest speaker at the occasion, Ehiozuwa Jonhson Agbonayinma, noted that cultism, drug abuse and substance dependency are critical social threats that continued to endanger the community, destroying young lives and undermining the future of the society.
Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives, called on the students to join the fight against cultism and drug abuse, warning that the vices were not an option. He therefore advised them to disassociate themselves from the scourge which he warned, can destroy their lives and future.
Another guest speaker, Dr. Chris Okaka of the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, commended Governor Okpebholo for the initiative and urged the students to shun cultism and drug abuse.
Okaka advised them to avoid negative peer pressure and focus on their studies to contribute positively to society.
“There is nothing good in becoming a cult member or using drugs; it will destroy your ambition. Avoid bad friends and negative influence that may lead to cultism or drug addiction in the future,” he warned.
The Secretary of the Squad, John Izegaegbe, noted that cultism has increased the number of widows and fatherless children in the society, and called on all stakeholders to collaborate with the government in fighting drug abuse, cultism, and cult-related crimes in Edo State.
The Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr. Usiobafo Nicholas, also commended the governor for the initiative and appealed for the creation of anti-cultism clubs in secondary schools in the 18 local government areas of the state to further spread the message.
Students of Ihogbe College, including the Head Girl, Aisosa Osakpamwan, and the Head Boy, Blessed Edomwonyi, thanked the governor for his efforts, noting that the campaign was timely and would help curb cultism in schools across the state.