Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced an amnesty programme targeting cultists and individuals in possession of illegal firearms, as part of a broader push to restore peace and prepare restive communities for a major urban development project.
The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional and community leaders from Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba—areas located within the proposed site for a new city project in Benin City.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo urged youths involved in cultism and criminal activity to take advantage of the window to surrender to authorities in exchange for amnesty.
“We are committed to restoring peace and stability to every corner of Edo,” the governor said. “This amnesty programme is designed not just for disarmament, but to offer a lifeline—skills training, empowerment, and the opportunity to lead productive lives.”
A technical committee, he added, will soon be inaugurated to manage the reintegration of surrendered cultists and criminal elements, with a mandate to implement restorative justice and skill-building initiatives.
The amnesty effort is closely tied to the government’s new city initiative, which will span several communities including Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba. Governor Okpebholo reiterated that the urban expansion will be carried out with community input and cultural sensitivity.
“For the new city project, especially LOT ‘A,’ we are committed to preserving traditional sites. As for LOT ‘B,’ once development commences, residents can present their documents to the Committee on Land Resolution,” he stated.
He also assured affected residents that steps will be taken to regularize legitimate land claims across all designated LOTS, adding that the government was open to addressing grievances from property owners affected by previous demolitions.
“Those who lost their properties under the last administration should meet with the Land Resolution Committee, provided they have their documents,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo’s peace outreach and development agenda mark a significant shift in the state’s approach to both urban expansion and crime prevention, signaling a more inclusive and rehabilitative path forward.
