By Ogochukwu Isioma
In response to a troubling resurgence of cult-related violence in parts of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a firm directive to security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators. The move comes as part of his administration’s renewed efforts to restore peace and ensure the safety of all residents.
In a statement issued by Bugie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, on Tuesday, Okpebholo expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence and reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and criminality.
“It is important to recall that following earlier disturbances last year, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, among several proactive steps taken, convened personally and through his agents series of critical meetings with the known leaders of groups suspected to be involved in these criminal activities,” the statement said.
“At those meetings, firm agreements were reached: they were to rein in their members and take full responsibility for their conduct. The Governor made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youth and the destabilization of our communities.”
Despite these efforts, the government noted with regret that certain individuals and groups have chosen to defy the prior agreements. In light of this defiance, Governor Okpebholo has authorized law enforcement agencies to enforce the provisions of the Edo State Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Law without hesitation.
“Those who have tested the will of the State will face the full weight of the Edo State Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Law. There will be no sacred cows,” Okpebholo warned, while assuring residents of the government’s dedication to public safety.
The state government urged all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities, adding that security agencies have been fully mobilized and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.
“The Okpebholo administration is determined to build a safe, stable, and prosperous Edo State — and no amount of intimidation or criminal defiance will stand in the way of that goal,” the statement concluded.
