Ebonyi State: The New Safe Haven for Cultism? By: Chris Abani

As Nigeria continues its long, painful war against cultism, insecurity, and corruption, a disturbing trend is quietly unfolding in the southeastern state of Ebonyi. Information has emerged that Abakaliki, the state capital, may play host this weekend to a criminal gathering of suspected cult leaders and foot soldiers, under the alleged leadership of a fugitive known as Ese Kakor — a man widely accused of being the cult commander of the Dreaded Black Axe syndicate.

If this sounds like fiction, sadly, it is not.

A Convention or a Criminal Syndicate Summit?

Sources within Ebonyi security circles and eyewitness reports reveal that from August 7th to 10th, 2025, a secretive and controversial gathering, disguised as a “convention” will be hosted at Remeritona Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, with additional lodging booked across multiple hotels including:
• Monabliss Hotel
• San Diego Hotel
• Franklin Hotel
• Fiesta
• Clevero
• Blossom Height
• Virginland Hotel
• Ryan Hotel
• Woodcrest Luxury & Suites

Why does this matter? Because the man allegedly leading this gathering, Ese Kakor, has been publicly declared wanted by the Edo State Government forgery, accused of using the name of a social organization to launder influence, sow internal division within the state, orchestrate financial rackets, and most dangerously — harbour and protect cultists across the country.

Kakor, who reportedly hails from Delta State, has long been at the center of controversy, from intimidating dissenters within his circle, to sponsoring petitions against state officials who challenge his authority. With pending court cases in Edo, ongoing investigations by law enforcement, and public protests from citizens in other regions, one would assume his influence is over.

But that’s where Ebonyi State now enters the picture.

Who Is Enabling This Gathering?

Worryingly, credible sources allege that top government functionaries in Ebonyi State may be enabling this gathering. Those names include:
• Fidelis Nwifuru, brother to the Governor
• Chika Nwangele, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security
• Dan Nwadu, Director of Revenue Services

If these allegations are true, then the people of Ebonyi must ask: Is our state now a haven for those running from justice?

The Silence of the Government Is Deafening

What is most shameful is the silence from the Ebonyi State Government and the lack of swift action from security agencies. In a time when cult killings are on the rise, with youth radicalization devastating communities, why is Ebonyi State willing to accommodate a figure like Kakor and his loyalists?

Where is the Governor’s voice?
Where are the defenders of public safety?
Where is the DSS and the Police?

Allowing this event to hold is a direct slap to the victims of cult violence, students, mothers, brothers, and friends who have lost their lives to the cruelty of secret cults. Ebonyi should never be remembered as the state where a cult revival began.

We Must Not Be Silent

This is a call to every citizen, journalist, activist, and law-abiding Nigerian:
We must raise our voices now.
• Meritona Hotel and every listed venue must be held accountable.
• Any public official found enabling this gathering must face the law.
• This so-called “convention” must be shut down immediately.

If we fail to act, Ebonyi risks becoming the new Port Harcourt of the 90s — a ticking time bomb of organized cultism cloaked in political favour.

History will remember those who stood by in silence. And history will also remember those who spoke out when it mattered most.

Say No to Cultism. Say No to Criminality. Say No to Silence.

#JusticeForOurYouth
#EbonyiNotForCultism
#ShutItDownNow
#ExposeTheNetwork

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