In a renewed effort to curb insecurity and fast-track urban development, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has extended an olive branch to cultists and individuals in possession of illegal arms, offering them amnesty as part of a broader peace and reintegration initiative.
The governor made this known during a meeting with community leaders from Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba on Tuesday in Benin City. Addressing longstanding concerns around land disputes and rising violence in the area, Okpebholo assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to resolving the issues while embarking on the ambitious development of a new city in the region.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo urged those involved in cult-related activities and other criminal acts to voluntarily surrender and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.
“A technical committee will soon be unveiled to oversee the restitution process for cult members and criminally-minded youths. This is a critical step toward ending kidnapping and violent crimes in our state,” the governor stated.
The amnesty programme, he explained, will go beyond disarmament. Beneficiaries will have access to skills acquisition and empowerment schemes designed to reintegrate them productively into society.
Okpebholo emphasized that peace and stability are vital as the government moves forward with its new city development plans.
He gave assurances to the leaders of the affected communities, pledging to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
On the issue of past demolitions, the governor acknowledged the grievances of affected residents and urged them to approach the newly constituted Land Resolution Committee with their property documents.
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“Those whose properties were affected by the actions of the previous administration should present their papers to the committee. We are committed to fairness and justice,” he said.
He further disclosed that development work on LOT ‘A’ of the proposed new city would take traditional and cultural sites into account, while those in LOT ‘B’ were encouraged to submit their documents for the regularization process once it begins.
In a bid to streamline property ownership and planning, the governor called on residents across the state to register their lands with the Edo Geographical Information System (Edo GIS).
“Survey your land and register it. This will help you secure your land titles and bring order to land ownership across Edo State,” Okpebholo said.
In their response, leaders of the three communities expressed strong support for the governor’s initiatives, pledging their cooperation, particularly in the development of LOT ‘A’ and ongoing efforts to enhance security in their areas.
The move comes as part of a broader campaign by the Okpebholo-led administration to reposition Edo State as a hub of peace, prosperity, and sustainable urban growth.