The Edo State government has announced plans to eliminate criminal cult groups and ‘Okaigheles’ (youth leaders) from the state after a recent attack on soldiers in the Okomu community.
Chris Nehikhare, the state commissioner for communication and orientation, addressed the issue on Sunday at the Military Base Hospital in Benin during a visit to soldiers and a police officer injured by suspected cultists.
On June 7, two soldiers and a police officer were shot in Okomu, located in the Ovia South West Local Government Area, by suspected cultists.
Nehikhare assured that the Edo government would cover the medical expenses of the injured officers being treated at the Military Base Hospital.
Governor Godwin Obaseki condemned the attack on military personnel and has established a task force led by the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) to tackle cult groups in the state.
“It is unacceptable for the military to be attacked in any community in Edo,” Nehikhare stated. He referenced a recent incident in neighboring Delta State, where over 20 soldiers were killed by youths.
Nehikhare highlighted that cultism and the activities of Okaigheles have become significant security threats in Edo, particularly in the Edo South Senatorial District. He cited data from the State Security Council indicating these groups’ involvement in local insecurity.
The government has banned the Okaigheles, although some have defied the ban. Nehikhare stressed that there can only be one governing authority at a time.
He expressed regret over the attack on soldiers in Okomu, who were protecting state assets. “One soldier is in critical condition, and two others were seriously injured. Their gunboat was destroyed by gunfire,” he reported.
Nehikhare urged leaders in Edo South to control their children and any individuals they may have armed. He emphasized the importance of community support in the government’s efforts to combat cultism and violence, noting that since January, over 150 people have died in cult-related violence.
He praised the army for its restraint and adherence to the law, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for unified action against these violent groups.
