According to the report from the Sun News, The Edo State Government issued a stern warning to criminals and cultists wreaking havoc on residents, particularly those responsible for the recent attacks on soldiers in the state. The government emphasized its resolve to eliminate criminal elements operating under the guise of cult groups and Okaigheles in the region. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, made this announcement while addressing reporters during a visit to injured soldiers and a police officer who had been shot by suspected cult members in Okomu-Ijaw Community, located in the Ovia South West Local Government Area....CONTINUE READING
Nehikhare assured that the state government would cover the medical expenses of the military personnel currently receiving treatment at the Military Base Hospital in Benin. He attributed the assault on soldiers in Okomu to the illicit activities of cultists. Furthermore, Nehikhare informed that Governor Godwin Obaseki strongly condemned the attack on military personnel and established a task force under the leadership of the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to tackle cult groups in the state.
“It is unacceptable for the military to come under attack in any community within Edo State. We recently witnessed a tragic incident in neighboring Delta State, where more than 20 soldiers lost their lives at the hands of young individuals,” Nehikhare remarked. He continued, “In Edo State, we are grappling with a significant cultism problem and the activities of what we term Okaigheles (Youth Leaders) in Benin and throughout the Edo South Senatorial District. Intelligence available to the State Security Council indicates that these groups pose a substantial threat to security in Edo State.” Nehikhare highlighted the government’s decision to ban these groups and form a task force to dismantle their operations and thwart their criminal schemes. The ban on the Okaigheles prompted some individuals to defy the government directive, culminating in the tragic attack on soldiers stationed in the Okomu forest. One soldier currently remains in critical condition, with three officers, including a police officer and two soldiers, sustaining severe injuries from the assault. The vessel they were traveling in was decimated and peppered with bullets. This occurred right here in Edo State. We cannot afford to witness soldiers losing their lives due to clashes with civilians or dangerous cult factions,” Nehikhare cautioned. He urged leaders, particularly in the Edo South region, to exercise control over their wards and the individuals they have armed, as the weapons fuelling these acts of violence are provided by certain entities.
