Babatunji Wusu –
- Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to eliminate criminal elements, particularly cult groups, in Edo State.
- Security agencies have been directed to work together to make the state unsafe for criminals.
- Okpebholo emphasized security as a top priority for his administration, with a particular focus on ending cult-related violence.
- The Governor has pledged full support to the police and other security agencies in maintaining peace.
- A 24-hour ultimatum has been issued to the Commissioner of Police to end violent cult clashes in the state.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state by charging security agencies with the responsibility of rooting out criminal elements. The governor made this declaration at the end of an inaugural security meeting held behind closed doors at the Government House in Benin City.
Addressing the press, Okpebholo expressed concern over the rising incidents of cult-related violence in the state, emphasizing that his administration prioritizes security above all else. He stated, “During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The issue of cultism dominated the discussion, and the rate of cult-related killings is not acceptable.”
The governor also issued a stern warning to criminals, stressing that his administration would not tolerate any form of violence. He directed heads of various security agencies to collaborate and take decisive action to ensure that the state becomes “unsafe for criminal elements” while remaining safe for law-abiding citizens. “We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this. We have ordered security agencies to collaborate and ensure that Edo is safe for all, but not safe for criminals,” Okpebholo said.
He urged security forces to work together and eliminate criminal hideouts across the state, especially in Benin City, where cult violence has been particularly rampant. The governor emphasized the need for collaboration among security agencies to bring an end to the ongoing killings and violence associated with cult groups.
In his own remarks, the State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, confirmed that the governor had pledged full support to security agencies in the fight against crime. “We just finished the first security council meeting with the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo. We discussed areas of concern and our efforts so far. The Governor has assured us that he will give us the needed support and ensure that Edo State is a place for all to live and do business peacefully,” Ozigi stated.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo had earlier issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Edo State Commissioner of Police to put an end to the violent cult clashes that have plagued the state.
