The Edo State House of Assembly has expressed alarm over a fresh surge in cult-related killings across the state, calling for urgent enforcement of the anti-cultism law to tackle the growing threat.

Raising the matter under public importance during plenary, Hon. Bright Iyamu (APC, Orhionmwon South) decried the rising death toll from an ongoing and violent cult war spreading across Edo communities.

He cited Section 4 of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which clearly bans secret cults and proscribes cult-related activities within the state.

Describing cultism as a destructive social vice claiming the lives of many young people, Hon. Iyamu revealed that a medical doctor was recently killed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in a suspected cult-related attack.

“Just last Friday, a man was gunned down in GRA, Benin City, in yet another cult-related incident. These disturbing cases are no longer isolated. They are occurring with increasing frequency across the state,” he said.

He warned that the rise in cult violence has left residents living in fear and uncertainty, unsure of what tragedy may strike next.

In a motion adopted by the House, Iyamu called on the state government, the police, and all relevant security agencies to implement strict measures to stem the tide of cult killings and related crimes.

He urged community youths and local vigilante groups to actively assist in identifying and exposing cultists, so that perpetrators can be brought to justice under the provisions of the law.

Iyamu also appealed for collaboration between the government and the media to raise public awareness about the anti-cultism legislation and its implications.

Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate urged the government to fully enforce the law by ensuring prompt arrests, diligent prosecution, and appropriate punishment of those found guilty.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku ordered that clean copies of the resolution be forwarded to relevant authorities for immediate action.

Meanwhile, the House passed a bill for the establishment of the Edo State Public-Private Partnership to promote infrastructure and service development.

Also passed was a bill to establish the Edo State School of Nursing, Health Science, and Technology in Uromi under the new 2025 law.