The Edo State Government has reiterated its decision to ban Okhaighele (youth leaders) in the Edo South Senatorial District, alleging that they and cultists pose the most severe threat to the security and stability of the state.
Recall that the Palace of the Oba of Benin had on Friday,
June 7, 2024, rejected the decision by the Edo State Government to ban the
youth leaders in the seven local government areas that make up the Edo South
Senatorial District.
Reacting to the decision of the Palace, the State
Government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and
Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and made available to newsmen in Benin City over
the weekend, stated that the government is not rescinding its decision to ban
the Okhaigheles.
Nehikhare said the state government reaffirmed its decision to ban the activities of Okhaigheles and cultists in Edo South communities due to the alarming rise in cult-related activities and resulting homicides in the region.
He stated that the decision was made in the interest of
public safety and to curb the growing violence that has plagued the
communities.
Nehikhare explained that Edo State Security Council data
showed that Okhaigheles and cultists pose the most severe threat to the
security and stability of the state.
The commissioner opined that the data led the Council to
place a total ban on these criminal groups.
According to him, while the state government respects the
traditions and customs of the communities, it is important to note that the
safety and security of citizens must always come first.
“Chief Osaro Idah, Obazalu of Benin’s contradictory
statement does not change the gravity of the situation at hand, and we stand by
our decision to enforce this ban on Okhaigheles to protect the lives of our
people.
“The state government notes that statements like the one
made by Chief Idah embolden these criminals to take up arms against ordinary
citizens, the military, police, and other constitutional security agencies.
“For example, on Friday, June 7, 2024, some so-called youths
opened fire on three members of the Nigerian Army attached to Okomu Oil Palm
Plc. in Ovia South West Local Government Area, injuring them and throwing the
community into pandemonium.
“In the coming weeks, the government will proceed with a
full-scale operation to disarm these criminal elements and neutralize their
threat against public peace.
“We reiterate that the activities of cultists, Okhaigheles,
and their sponsors remain banned in the state, and we will spare no effort to
ensure that those who flout the ban are made to face the full weight of the
law,” he said.
The government, however, warned in the strongest terms that
it would not allow any individual or organization, no matter how highly placed,
to undermine the efforts of the State Security Council to protect the lives and
property of the people.
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