Okpebholo Vows To Stamp Out Cultism, Kidnapping From Edo

Edo State Govenor, Senator Monday Okpeholo has pledged that his administration will not relent in its drive to root out cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities from the state in order to ensure the safety of all residents in the state.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed this after a closed-door meeting held with the commanders and leaders of the Special Security Squad on Wednesday evening at the Government House, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dannis Idahosa; the Secretary to Edo State government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; and an Executive Member of Edo State Special Security Squad, Comrade Ameloemen Idemudia Noah; were among other notable State officials at the meeting.

The governor said the meeting was successful as those in attendance strategised on the modalities to continue the fight against cultism and kidnaping in Edo State.

“We had a very useful meeting that concerns the fight against cultism and kidnaping. We want to see that Edo State is safe for all of us, and we are able to drive a strong economy. This is the reason for today’s meeting,” he said.

Relative calmness has returned to the State since the inauguration of the security squad as several arrests have been made in a series of raids carried by its operatives.

The team is made up of personnel of Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), hunters, vigilante groups, and repentant cultists, among other critical stakeholders.

The squad identified some hotspots and raided them unexpectedly and has made significant arrests of suspected leaders of cult groups.

LEADERSHIP reports that this has resulted in significant peace in troubled parts of the State, especially in Benin City, the state capital.