Edo Anti-Cultism Task Force Head Receives Award, Pledges Stronger Crackdown

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Head of the Special Task Force on Operation Flush Out Cultism and Kidnapping in Edo State, Noah Idemudia, has been honoured with an award in recognition of his contributions to tackling cult-related violence and kidnapping across the state.
The award, which was approved during a Security Town Hall Meeting held on February 24, 2026, was formally presented to Idemudia on Sunday after organisers were able to meet with him.

The Security Town Hall Meeting was organised under the auspices of the Centre for Moral Value and Justice and convened by Hon. Inegbenehi Sylvester and Hon. Christian Okojie. According to the organisers, the recognition was in appreciation of Idemudia's commitment and outstanding service in leading operations against cultism and kidnapping in Edo State.

Presenting the award, the organisers said the honour acknowledged the impact of the task force's activities in supporting ongoing efforts to improve security and protect lives and property in the state.

Receiving the award, Idemudia expressed gratitude to the conveners for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to intensify the fight against criminal activities.

He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the special task force, saying the confidence reposed in him would continue to inspire greater commitment to duty.

Idemudia assured residents that the task force would not relent in its campaign against cultism and kidnapping, pledging to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out of Edo State.

"This award will spur us to do more. We remain committed to delivering on the mandate given to us, and we will continue to work tirelessly to rid Edo State of cultism and kidnapping," he said.

He further appreciated the Centre for Moral Value and Justice for promoting citizen engagement on security issues and encouraged the organisers to expand similar security town hall engagements to the remaining senatorial districts of the state to strengthen public participation in the fight against crime.

The award comes amid sustained security efforts by the Edo State Government to curb violent crimes and improve public safety across the state.

Popular posts from this blog

NBM of Africa Raises Alarm Over Child Abductions, Calls for Urgent Action Against Insecurity

Image
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin  The leadership of the NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the nation's future and overall development. In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie, the Pan-African organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly expose them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct attack on the country's collective future. The organisation's reaction comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities. According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away f...
Read more

Conveners Intensify Consultations for Phase Two of Edo Security Initiative

Image
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin The conveners of the recently concluded Security Town Hall Meeting themed “Community Responsibility and Collaborative Action for a Safer Edo State,” Hon. Comr. Inegbenehi Iziegbe Sylvester and Hon. Christian Okojie, have intensified consultations aimed at strengthening security advocacy and community engagement across Edo State. As part of preparations for the rollout of Phase Two of the Security Town Hall initiative, scheduled to hold in Edo Central, the conveners paid a courtesy and consultation visit to His Lordship, CJ Okubowa, to seek collaborative support for the forthcoming engagement. The visit highlighted the growing need for collective responsibility and stronger stakeholder collaboration in addressing security challenges within communities.  Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships among community leaders, institutions, and relevant stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and a safer society. The meeting was described as pr...
Read more

Ologbo Traditional Leadership: Chief Iyase Rejects Purported Installation of Olare-Aja

Image
By Elvis Omoregie  The Okao Nore-Guae overseeing Ologbo, Ehor and Okhuoromi communities in Edo State, Chief Emma Iyase, has warned against what he described as efforts to establish a parallel traditional authority in Ologbo, rejecting the reported installation of Pa Johnson Obubu Itoto as the Olare-Aja of the community. Speaking on the development, Chief Iyase said the installation, reportedly carried out on May 30, 2026, was unknown to Benin customs and traditions and constituted a violation of the recognized traditional authority structure of the Benin Kingdom. According to him, Ologbo remains an integral part of the Benin traditional institution, and matters concerning traditional leadership, chieftaincy titles and community governance must align with the customs, laws and established practices of the kingdom. “Any installation conducted outside the recognised traditional structures and procedures cannot enjoy legitimacy within the community,” he stated. Chief Iyase ...
Read more