Stakeholders move to end cult wars, others in Edo

The Assembly of Patriots International (API), a non-governmental organisation has commenced consultations to work out modalities to end cult wars and other violence in Edo State, especially in Benin City.

A representative of the group, Evans Moye, told The Guardian that a meeting in Benin City, which had virtually all the top hierarchies of the various confraternities in attendance, was the beginning of a nationwide peace advocacy to complement efforts of the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies.

Other stakeholders that would be consulted are the law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, higher institutions, students, state and local government authorities, as well as other well-meaning individuals.

National Coordinator of the group, Abdulkareem Ikharo, had during an interview recently promised that the group was ready to take up the challenge with a view to finding a lasting solution to the killings not only emanating from cult wars but other violence and criminal activities involving youths across the country.

The API said it intended to achieve its aims through partnership initiatives with stakeholders like re-orientation, special awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops and other interactive forums for the youths geared towards redirecting their energies positively.

Besides, a leader of one of the confraternities in the state argued that the initiative was overdue given the alarming number of deaths recorded with irreparable experiences and losses to families of victims and the society.

He stressed that any crusade against youth violence deserves all stakeholders’ involvement, adding that the group’s efforts was in preparation to positively impact on national politics, especially violence-free elections.