PUNCH
Hundreds of concerned women in Edo State, on Tuesday, took to the streets of Benin City to protest the ongoing cult-related killings that have claimed several lives in the past two months.
Dressed in black and wielding placards, the women gathered at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter, where they called on the state government, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies to take immediate action to end the violence.
One of the leaders of the protest, Gloria Ojo, delivered a letter titled “Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State,” urging leaders to act swiftly to halt the senseless killings.
Ojo’s letter, read in part, “I write with a heavy heart regarding the tragic events unfolding in Edo State, particularly the senseless killings of youth. As a concerned citizen, I seek your wisdom and guidance in advocating for peace. The youth are the future of our nation, and it’s heartbreaking to witness their lives cut short by violence.
“I appeal to you to use your influence to put an immediate stop to this violence. We must encourage peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and understanding, as this is the only path to healing and reconciliation.”
Ojo called on leaders to mediate conflicts, promote tolerance, and advocate for justice, emphasizing that only then could peace and stability return to the state.
Another protest leader, Precious Ikponmwen, lamented the impact of the killings on women in the state, particularly those in their 20s and 30s who have been left widowed.
“We are tired of the killings. Many young girls have become widows in their 20s and 30s. We want the NUJ to support us in this fight. Almost every household in Edo State has been affected, and it is challenging to raise children as a single parent,” she said.
Ikponmwen also pointed out that the victims of these cult clashes are often their husbands and brothers, reiterating the demand for an end to the violence.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Edo State Government has vowed to take strong action against cult-related violence.
Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday night, directed heads of various security agencies in the state to ensure that Edo becomes free from criminal elements.
He condemned the rise in cultism, stressing that his administration would not sit idly by while bloodshed continues in the state.
“During my campaign, I placed security above all else. It remains a priority for my administration. The rate of cultism in the state is unacceptable, and we are committed to ending it. We do not want to lose anyone to these senseless killings,” Okpebholo said.
He added that security agencies have been instructed to collaborate and work tirelessly to eliminate criminals and restore peace in the state, especially in Benin City.
“We have ordered the security agencies to root out criminals from wherever they are hiding. Edo will be safe for all…
