BENIN CITY – A Benin-based Philanthropist, Chief Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri, has decried the rising spate of cult-related killings in Edo State, describing it as alien to the state.
Edebiri, who is the President of Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri Centre for Change, made the condemnation in a statement made available to Journalists on Monday in Benin City
The 2012 All Nigeria Peoples Party Governorship candidate said, “ I totally condemn this wanton destruction of lives of our young brothers in the hands of their fellow brothers.
“This situation where our youths waste their lives in their prime in the name of cultism is barbaric and alien to our customs and traditions as Edo people.
“This development is sad and if not urgently nipped in the bud, will jeopardize the state’s desired promotion of tourism and economic growth.’’
“I therefore plead with our youths who are still flexing muscles over mundane things to shed their sword and desist forthwith from these shameful acts and engage in meaningful ventures that will better their tomorrow,’’ he said.
Edebiri said “I want to appeal to our community leaders to increase their community policing surveillance as a way to assisting security agencies in the performance of their statutory responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
“I also urge security agencies, especially now, to as a matter of urgency, rise to the occasion, to win back the peoples’ confidence by discharging its duties fearlessly,’’ he said.
It is recalled that no fewer than 30 persons have allegeally been feared dead in cult-related clashes in the last few weeks across the state.