According to news reports, no fewer than five persons were murdered, and several others wounded in cult-related clashes that engulfed three communities in the Benin metropolis last week alone. The Communities, according to the reports are: Uhie, Okha 1 and Okha 2, along Sapele road in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the state.
Prior to the 2019 general elections, there was killing of some young people allegedly by cultists, which left every peace-loving people of Edo Sate bewildered and shattered.

For over ten years now, there have been countless cases of cult-related killings which has seen so many young persons of the age range of 14-30 being dispatched to their early graves. For close to ten years or more running, killings in the state associated with cultism have continued unabated. Parents and some religious leaders in the state who encourage their wards along this lethal life path need serious re-orientation and rethinking.

While receiving the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Fatai Ayinla Ganiyu, at the Government House in Benin City, earlier in the year, Governor Godwin Obaseki assured that his administration will not give room for thuggery in the state.

It was good that government has placed all political thugs, no matter who is behind them on notice before the 2019 polls. Since then, there have been relative peace in the state until the last week’s unfortunate incidents. We are aware of politicians; whose main tool is the use of thugs to undermine their opponents for their selfish advantages and agendas.

Government needs to take a step further. There is need to carry out a research into cult related killings in the state. It is important to know how many cult groups exists; for what reasons and who are their mentors and sustainers? How are they funded or armed? Why has the police not been able to exterminate cultism in Edo over the years? The research needs to also proffer solution to Government on how to permanently end cult- related killings in the state.

Thereafter, the government needs to take steps to cure the state of these kinds of killings as they help to pollute the spiritual atmosphere of the state. The story of Cain and Abel should be fresh in the minds of everyone. A demented young man in the name of cultism, moves with his gang to the house of a young boy, mows his parents down, kill siblings and disappear into thin air. This barbarism wasn’t in existent in Edo land until recent history which we must end.

As an interim measure, It is my considered opinion that all law enforcement agencies in the state should ensure that Justice is timeously delivered to all those killed and their families in the state in the wake of the cult-related clashes. Wherever these criminals are, they should be fished out and made to face the full weight of the law. It is when these deviants of our society are dealt with adequately that Edo State can move forward as Governor Obaseki is leading the citizens.

There is likelihood of more occurrence as we approach the end of the year. Edo people must therefore be on their watch, more so, when the economic situation of the country is biting so hard.

It is important that government, rises to the occasion. Governor Godwin Obaseki throwing out thuggery from our political life must be supported by all peace-loving citizens. It is good to know that the state government is finalising amendment for a bill which will soon be sent to the Edo State House of Assembly to strengthen the law enforcement agencies to deal with cultism in the state. It is equally good that the governor is working towards a harmonious relationship between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force Command and indeed, all security agencies in the state.

We must, as a people, promote the sanctity of life among all spheres of our social life. Religious leaders and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have a big role to play here. Certain behaviours, norms and beliefs by those promoting violence and mindless killings across the state under any guise must be discouraged across board.

Security operatives could be said to be doing their utmost best. But a lot is still required of them. They should take deeper interest in what sustains cultism in Edo land and route it out with all their might.

Security agencies on their part must change their tactics of engagement. They should also form common synergy to stem the rising spate of cult-related killings in Edo. Governor Obaseki must be courageous and prove to cultists that Edo land can no longer harbour them.

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Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Edo State.