Edo State Government Reaffirms Ban on Okaigheles and Cultists in Edo South Communities

The Edo State Government reaffirms its decision to ban the activities of Okaigheles and cultists in Edo South communities due to the alarming rise in cult-related activities and the resulting homicides in the region. This decision was made in the interest of public safety and to curb the growing violence that has plagued our communities.

Data from the Edo State Security Council indicates that these two groups (Okaigheles and cultists) pose the most severe threat to the security and stability of the State, prompting the Council to enforce a total ban on these criminal groups.

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While respecting the traditions and customs of our communities, the safety and security of our citizens must always come first. Chief Osaro Idah, Obazalu of Benin’s contradictory statement does not change the gravity of the situation, and we stand by our decision to enforce this ban on Okaigheles to protect the lives of our people.

Statements like the one made by Chief Idah embolden these criminals to take up arms against ordinary citizens, the military, police, and other constitutional security agencies. For example, on Friday, June 7, 2024, some so-called youths opened fire on three men of the Nigerian Army attached to Okomu Oil Palm Plc., in Ovia South West Local Government Area, injuring them and throwing the community into pandemonium.

In the coming weeks, the government will proceed with a full-scale operation to disarm these criminal elements and neutralize their threat against public peace.

The government warns in the strongest terms that it will not allow any individual or organization, no matter how highly placed, to undermine the efforts of the State Security Council to protect the lives and property of our people.

We reiterate that the activities of cultists, Okaigheles, and their sponsors remain banned in the State, and we will spare no effort to ensure that those who flout the ban face the full weight of the law.

Signed

Chris Osa Nehikhare

Hon. Commissioner of Communication and Orientation