The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared a war against cultism in the state, vowing to make the “Heartbeat of the Nation” unsafe for criminal elements.
The bold move comes as the Governor, in an emergency security meeting, ordered heads of security agencies to intensify efforts in addressing the rising wave of cult-related violence in the state.
A Renewed Focus on Security
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Governor Okpebholo stressed that his administration places the highest priority on ensuring the safety of every resident.
“We will not sit back and allow cult-related killings to continue,” Okpebholo declared, emphasizing that the state must become a haven for law-abiding citizens, but “unsafe for criminals.”
The Governor’s statement marks a sharp focus on the growing concern of cultism, a menace that has seen an alarming rise in violent acts across Edo State, particularly in its capital, Benin City.
Okpebholo’s government, he said, is determined to end this cycle of violence and create a safer environment for all.
Cultism: A Deadly Threat to Edo’s Peace
At the heart of the Governor’s concerns is the rising number of cult-related killings and other criminal activities linked to secret societies.
Cultism, which has plagued various parts of Nigeria for years, has a stronghold in Edo State, particularly among the youth. These groups, often engaging in violent clashes, have destabilized the peace in many communities.
The Governor made it clear that the rate of cultism in the state was unacceptable.
“We do not want to lose anybody to this senseless violence. The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo State,” Okpebholo reiterated.
Urgent Action: Security Agencies on High Alert
The Governor has charged all security agencies in the state to work together and act swiftly to neutralize cult groups.
“The security agencies must collaborate and ensure they smoke criminals out of the state wherever they are hiding,” Okpebholo said firmly.
This call for cooperation reflects his commitment to ensuring that the state becomes inhospitable to criminals, while offering a safe space for residents to live and conduct business.
Okpebholo’s administration has promised to provide the necessary resources and support to security forces in their fight against criminality.
Police Commissioner Assures of Commitment
Edo State’s Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, responded positively to the Governor’s directive, assuring that the security agencies would rise to the challenge.
“We just finished the first security council meeting with the Governor, where we discussed areas of concern and the steps we’ve taken so far,” Ozigi explained.
He added that the security agencies have been given the necessary backing from the state government to carry out their operations effectively.
“The Governor has assured us of his full support in making Edo a place where all can live and do business peacefully,” the Commissioner stated.
A Unified Approach to Security
The security council meeting was a significant step in fostering collaboration among various law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and other security forces.
The Governor’s message was clear: security is a collective responsibility, and all must work in unison to ensure a safer Edo.
“We are united in our resolve to tackle cultism head-on. The people of Edo State deserve peace, and we will deliver that peace,” Okpebholo vowed.
The Path to a Safer Edo
Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to security reflects his campaign promises and his determination to fulfill them.
During his campaign, the Governor made it clear that security would be at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.
Now, as the Governor navigates his early days in office, his actions signal a determined effort to combat crime and restore order in the state.
A State in Crisis
Cultism has been a long-standing issue in Edo, with several violent incidents reported in recent years.
Benin City, in particular, has witnessed an upsurge in killings and criminal activities linked to cult groups.
These groups, often involved in territorial disputes and power struggles, have caused significant unrest in communities across the state