Edo State women protest cult violence, demand urgent action

• Okpebholo declares war on cultists, criminal elements

Women in Edo State yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Benin City against the resurgence of cult-related killings in the state, calling for an end to the ongoing violence that has claimed many lives.

The protesters, who marched to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, lamented the devastating impact of the killings on their families, with many breadwinners and siblings reportedly victims of the violence.

Speaking on behalf of the group, leaders Precious Ikponmwen, Ojo Gloria, and Sandra Aigbogun expressed concern over the rising insecurity. They appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and the Edo State Police Commissioner to take urgent steps to end the violence.

“Young girls are turning into widows every day. Our young boys and youths are being killed daily. These are our brothers and sons. We beg the Oba of Benin and the Edo State Police Commissioner to intervene to stop the cult violence,” they said.

They further lamented the loss of the state’s youth to violence, describing them as the hope and future of the nation. “It is disheartening to witness their lives being cut short by violence and conflict,” Aigbogun said, adding: “We are not happy with the senseless killings of our husbands, brothers, and children.”

MEANWHILE, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared war on cultists and other criminal elements to restore security in the state.In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed that the governor issued the directive during his inaugural security meeting held behind closed doors at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor instructed heads of security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending criminals and making the state unsafe for perpetrators of violence.

“During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The issue of cultism dominated the discussion. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration,” Okpebholo said.

“We do not want to lose anybody and will be firm about this. We have ordered security agencies to collaborate and ensure that Edo is safe for all but not for criminals. We charged them to smoke criminals out of the state wherever they are hiding and ensure that the state is safe for all,” he added.

The State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, also confirmed that the meeting discussed security concerns and progress. He noted that the governor had assured security agencies of his administration’s support in making the state safe for residents and businesses.

“We just finished the first security council meeting with the Governor of Edo State. We have discussed areas of concern and our efforts so far. The Governor has assured us that he will give us the needed support and ensure that Edo State is a place for all to live and do business peacefully,” Ozigi said.