Governor Okpebholo Declares War on Cultism in Edo

The Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebho­lo has ordered heads of various se­curity agencies in the state to make the Heartbeat unsafe for criminal elements.

The governor gave the charge while briefing news­men at the end of an inau­gural security meeting, held behind closed doors at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration places a priority on security and re­vealed that his government is doing everything to ensure that the state is safe for every resident.

He noted that the issue of cultism dominated the secu­rity discussion, and that his administration would not fold its arms, while cult-related killings go on in the state.

The state chief executive urged security agencies to col­laborate and ensure that they put a stop to the killings in the state, especially in Benin City.

“During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administra­tion because it is important. The issue of cultism dominat­ed the discussion. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration.

“The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo State. We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this. We have ordered security agen­cies to collaborate and ensure that Edo is safe for all, but not safe for criminals.

“We charged them to smoke criminals out of the state wherever they are hid­ing and ensure that the state is safe for all,” Governor Ok­pebholo told newsmen.

The Edo State Commis­sioner for Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, while reacting, said various security agencies during the security council meeting, discussed areas of concerns and the efforts made so far.

He noted that the governor had assured them of the sup­port of his administration in ensuring that Edo is safe for all.

He said: “We just finished the first security council meet­ing with the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpeb­holo. We have discussed areas of concerns and our efforts so far.

“The governor has as­sured us that he will give us the needed support and en­sure that Edo State is a place for all to live and do business peacefully.”