Kehinde Fajobi
Hundreds of women in Edo State took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday, protesting against ongoing cult-related killings that have claimed numerous lives over the past two months.
Clad in black and holding placards, the protesters gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, Edo State Chapter.
They urged the government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and security agencies to intervene urgently and restore peace.
One of the protest leaders, Gloria Ojo, presented a letter titled Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State, calling for immediate action.
“I write with a heavy heart regarding the tragic events unfolding in Edo State, particularly the senseless killings of youth. 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,” the letter read.
Ojo pleaded with leaders to mediate conflicts, foster dialogue, and promote justice.
“We must encourage peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and understanding, as this is the only path to healing and reconciliation,” she added.
Another protest leader, Precious Ikponmwen, highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on women, particularly young widows.
“We are tired of the killings. Many young girls have become widows in their 20s and 30s. We want the NUJ 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,” she said.
Ikponmwen also noted that the victims of these clashes are often their husbands and brothers, reiterating the demand for an end to the violence.
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo vowed to take decisive action against cult-related violence.
On Monday night, he directed security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
“During my campaign, I placed security above all else. It remains a priority for my administration. 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,” Okpebholo stated.
He assured residents that security agencies had been instructed to work collaboratively to eliminate criminals and restore peace, particularly 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,” the governor added.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, also addressed the situation, confirming that the first security council meeting with the governor focused on tackling cultism.
He assured that the state government had provided security agencies with the resources needed to address the crisis effectively.