By Newsmata
The Edo State Government has expressed satisfaction that it’s recent actions have greatly impacted security situation in the state, halting cult-related killings.
A statement on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Fred Itua, noted that the decisive action by the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in galvanising security agencies to halt the killings in the state, had paid off as normalcy has now returned to Benin City, the state capital.
He recalling that the governor had on assumption of office November 12, 2024, inherited a terrible security situation in the state, “as cult clashes leading to bloodbaths were ubiquitous”.
Itua noted that Governor Okpebholo had in his inaugural speech, promised that his administration would deal with kidnapping and other violent crimes, including cult-related killings which he said had for long “tainted the image of the state and affected businesses”.
He said he had also vowed that his government would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the state’s security situation to enable farming and other businesses flourish again.
“Matching words with actions, Governor Okpebholo in his maiden security council meeting, said the issue of cultism dominated the discussions, stressing that his administration would not fold its arms while cult-related killings continued in the state.
“He, thereafter, urged security agencies to collaborate and ensure that they put a stop to the killings, especially in Benin City”.
Itua said the governor charged them “to smoke criminals out of the state wherever they are hiding and ensure that the state is safe for all”.
According to the statement, the security chiefs, who pledged their loyalty to the state, immediately swung into action to ensure that the orders of the governor were strictly obeyed, making the city safe for Edo citizens.
Itua said “Multiple reports now indicate that normalcy has returned to the ancient city as cult-related death has been brought under control”, adding, the security agencies in the state had given a stern warning to criminals and cultists who were bent on causing palpable fear and tension.
The statement warned that “Failure to stop the killings would result in massive arrests and swift prosecution as the peace of the state will not be traded by the Okpebholo-led administration.
“The Governor is committed to ensuring that people go about their routine business activities as security agencies are on red alert patrolling strategic locations across the state to ensure no death is recorded as we approach the festive season.”