Aspiring Musician Hands Over Beretta Pistol After Public Appeal Against Crime
A 29-year-old man has voluntarily renounced his membership of a cult group and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State, in what officials have described as a positive step in the fight against cult-related violence.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, July 17, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
According to the statement, the Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, said the breakthrough followed a security alert received from the Acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Blessing Ebhodaghe.
The council chairman had earlier met with youths in the community, where he urged them to shun cultism, armed robbery and other forms of criminality, while embracing lawful and productive ventures.
Shortly after the meeting, one of the youths, who identified himself as an aspiring musician, approached the chairman and openly declared his decision to renounce cultism.
The young man also surrendered a Beretta pistol in his possession, which was subsequently taken, along with the suspect, to Benin City where the firearm was formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Speaking on his decision, the 29-year-old said he had no regrets about abandoning cultism, explaining that the chairman’s message on the dangers and consequences of criminal activities deeply influenced him.
He added that he deliberately chose not to sell or hand over the pistol to another person because it could be used to commit crimes that might eventually be traced back to him.
Commending the development, Zonal Commander Joel Aidamebor described the young man’s action as courageous and worthy of emulation.
He urged other youths still involved in cultism and related criminal activities to lay down their arms and embrace peace, assuring them that the Edo State Government remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring security across the state.
Aidamebor further reiterated the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to combating cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes through sustained collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.
The Edo State Government has continued to intensify its campaign against cult-related violence, calling on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will help rid communities of criminal elements.
IBN NEWS will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on security and crime-related issues across Edo State and Nigeria.
