Hundreds of concerned women in Edo State took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday to protest the surge in cult-related killings that have claimed numerous lives over the past two months. Dressed in black and holding placards, the women gathered at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter, calling on the state government, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and security agencies to take immediate action to end the violence.
One of the protest leaders, Gloria Ojo, delivered a letter titled “Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State,” urging authorities to act swiftly to halt the senseless killings. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation.
“I write with a heavy heart regarding the tragic events unfolding in Edo State, particularly the senseless killings of youth,” Ojo stated. “As a concerned citizen, I seek your wisdom and guidance in advocating for peace. The youth are the future of our nation, and it’s heartbreaking to witness their lives cut short by violence. I appeal to you to use your influence to put an immediate stop to this violence. We must encourage peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and understanding, as this is the only path to healing and reconciliation.”
Another protest leader, Precious Ikponmwen, lamented the devastating impact of the killings on women in the state, particularly those in their 20s and 30s who have been left widowed.
“We are tired of the killings. Many young girls have become widows in their 20s and 30s,” Ikponmwen said. “We want the FRONTPAGE to support us in this fight. Almost every household in Edo State has been affected, and it is challenging to raise children as a single parent. The victims of these cult clashes are often our husbands and brothers. We demand an end to this violence.”
In response to the escalating crisis, the Edo State Government has vowed to take decisive action against cult-related activities. Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday night, directed the heads of various security agencies in the state to ensure that Edo becomes free from criminal elements. He condemned the rise in cultism and stressed that his administration would not stand by while bloodshed continues.
“During my campaign, I placed security above all else. It remains a priority for my administration,” Governor Okpebholo declared. “The rate of cultism in the state is unacceptable, and we are committed to ending it. We do not want to lose anyone to these senseless killings.”
He added that security agencies have been instructed to collaborate and work tirelessly to eliminate criminals and restore peace, especially in Benin City. “We have ordered the security agencies to root out criminals from wherever they are hiding. Edo will be safe for all, but not for criminals,” he affirmed.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, also addressed the situation, confirming that during the first security council meeting with the governor, the issue of cultism was thoroughly discussed. He assured that security agencies have received the necessary support from the state government to tackle the crisis effectively.
“The security agencies have been given all the backing they need to address the problem of cultism in the state,” Commissioner Ozigi stated. “We are working collaboratively to ensure that peace and normalcy return to Edo State.”
The protesting women urged all stakeholders to join forces in ending the violence, emphasizing that the future of the state’s youth depends on collective action. They called on the government to implement measures that would not only stop the killings but also address the root causes of cultism and violence among young people.
“We need our leaders to step up and protect our communities,” Ojo appealed. “It’s time to rebuild trust and ensure that our children can grow up in a safe and peaceful environment.”
