Jimisayo Opanuga
The Edo State Government has declared that no individual or organisation, regardless of status, will be permitted to undermine the state’s efforts to protect the lives and property of its people.
Governor Godwin Obaseki recently banned the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) in the state’s Edo South senatorial district as part of a renewed effort to combat cultism.
“What is particularly worrisome about cultism is the related homicide that goes with cult-related activities. From January to date, we have lost over 150 people to cult-related activities and homicide. We can’t tolerate and accept this situation anymore,” Obaseki said on Tuesday.
“The council today (yesterday), amongst its decisions, has decided to go full blast against cultists and cultism in the state. We have now passed an anti-cultism law in Edo State and that law will be implemented to its fullest.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Saturday, the state commissioner of communication and orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, reaffirmed the government’s decision to ban the activities of Okaigheles and cultists in Edo South communities due to the alarming rise in cult-related activities and the resulting homicides in the region.
Nehikhare said the ban was made in the interest of public safety and to curb the growing violence that has plagued our communities.
He also disclosed that state security council data has shown that these two groups (Okaigheles and cultists) pose the most severe threat to the security and stability of the State, resulting in the council’s decision to place a total ban on the criminal groups.
“While we respect the tradition and customs of our communities, it is important to note that the safety and security of our citizens must always come first,” Nehikhare stated.
“Chief Osaro Idah, Obazalu of Benin’s contradictory statement does not change the gravity of the situation at hand, and we stand by our decision to enforce this ban on Okaigheles to protect the lives of our people.
“The state government notes that statements like the one made by Chief Idah, embolden these criminals to take up arms against ordinary citizens, the military, police, and other constitutional security agencies.
“For example, on Friday, the 7th of June, 2024, some so-called youths opened fire on three men of the Nigerian Army attached to Okomu Oil Palm Plc., in Ovia South West Local Government Area, injuring them and throwing the community into pandemonium.”
In response, Nehikhare disclosed that the government has announced a forthcoming full-scale operation to disarm these criminal elements and neutralise their threat against public peace.
The government also issued a warning that it will not allow any individual or organisation, no matter how highly placed, to undermine the efforts of the State Security Council to protect the lives and property of our people.
“We reiterate that the activities of cultists, Okaigheles, and their sponsors remain banned in the State and we will spare no effort to ensure that those who flout the ban are made to face the full weight of the law.”
