Mournful Women of Edo State Protest Deadly Cult Violence in Benin City
Under a cloud of sorrow and despair, hundreds of women took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday to express their outrage over the unrelenting wave of cult-related violence that has claimed countless lives over the past two months. Donning black attire and brandishing placards, they marched to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Edo State, pleading with authorities, traditional leaders, religious groups, and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to quell the killings.
Led by Gloria Ojo, the women delivered a powerful appeal for peace and unity, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive leadership to restore order in the state. The heartfelt letter, titled “Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State,” conveyed the gravity of the situation, as she lamented the loss of countless young lives, which had torn families apart and shattered communities.
The letter eloquently stated: “I write with a heavy heart, weighing the weight of countless youth lives lost to senseless violence. The youth are the future of our nation, and their lives are being mercilessly cut short. It’s heart-wrenching to see the devastating impact of these acts on the survivors and the families they leave behind.” Ojo passionately appealed to leaders to wield their influence to halt the violence immediately, citing the need for peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and understanding as the sole path to healing and reconciliation.
In a stirring plea, Precious Ikponmwen emphasized the dire consequences of the killings, focusing on the tragic impact on women, particularly young widows, who have lost their loved ones and now struggle to raise their children as single parents. The devastating consequences of cult-related violence resonated across households in Edo State, where families have been irreparably shattered, leaving deep emotional scars.
Government’s Commitment to Combating Cult Violence
In response to the mounting crisis, the Edo State Government has vowed to take a more robust stance against cult-related violence.
Editioned by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, a stern directive was issued to heads of security agencies, urging them to make the state “inoperable” for criminal elements. The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents in the state, affirming that his government would take decisive action to combat the scourge of cultism.
Okpebholo emphasized that security collaboration would be a critical component of the strategy, and called on agencies to work in tandem to eliminate the senseless violence afflicting Benin City. In his statement, he made it clear that the Edo State Government would not be complacent while the State’s future generations continued to be devastated by this preventable violence.
