… As Gov Okpebholo unveils new city plan
In a decisive move aimed at addressing rising insecurity and fostering reconciliation, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to grant amnesty to cultists and individuals in possession of illegal arms who are willing to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
This initiative, which forms part of the government’s broader peace and development agenda, was unveiled during a crucial meeting with community leaders in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo, who met with leaders from Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities, assured them of his commitment to restoring peace and integrating troubled youths into productive ventures.
According to him, a technical committee will soon be constituted to oversee the restitution process and design rehabilitation programmes that include skills training and economic empowerment.
The amnesty offer is also coming as the state government embarks on the development of a new city that will encompass these communities, with the governor promising that traditional sites would be protected and legitimate landowners respected throughout the process.
“As we begin the development of the new city, peace and justice must go hand-in-hand. We are ready to listen to victims of past demolitions and encourage all to participate in the land regularization exercise through EdoGIS,” the governor stated.
He urged property owners to survey and register their lands, noting that the government is also prepared to address grievances stemming from past land acquisitions, particularly those under the previous administration, which residents say led to displacement and violence.
In response, the community leaders, including Pa Michael Omoruyi (Obagie), Pa Abel Emokpae (Oke-Oroma), and Ebo Amagba (Amagba), expressed gratitude for what they described as the first meaningful engagement with government authorities since 2017.
They pledged their full support for the new city project and the governor’s security drive.
Governor Okpebholo recently constituted a Land Resolution Committee headed by Dr Tony Ikpasaja, with Dr Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as secretary, to address the complex issues surrounding land ownership and resettlement.
Other members include top officials from the ministries of justice and physical planning, as well as the office of the Surveyor-General and the Edo State House of Assembly.
This latest intervention by the Okpebholo administration marks a significant policy shift from the confrontational approach of the past and signals a new era of reconciliation, development, and inclusive governance in Edo State.
