Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has directed the state’s Commissioner of Police to take immediate action to end the violent cult clashes troubling parts of the state.
Issuing the directive in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, on Thursday, Governor Okpebholo also announced a ban on drivers’ welfare associations and network empowerment groups operating in Edo.
According to Governor Okpebholo, the Commissioner of Police is to mobilize officers across all formations in Edo to halt the ongoing “unnecessary bloodbath” affecting Benin and its surroundings. “As the Governor of Edo State, cultism cannot be allowed here. We must end it, and very fast too,” Okpebholo declared.
The Governor had earlier, on Wednesday, ordered the immediate suspension of all revenue collections in the state, specifically targeting motor parks and similar locations.
This suspension, he noted, is indefinite and will remain in effect until further notice, pending a comprehensive review of the issues surrounding the current revenue collection process.
In addressing the escalating violence, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the urgency of restoring peace in Edo State. “I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 hours. All those involved in the killings should be stopped,” he said firmly.
Further, Governor Okpebholo stressed that associations causing disorder, particularly in Benin City, will no longer be tolerated. “They all remain banned, and the Commissioner of Police must ensure that his men carry out this instruction by enforcing this ban,” the statement continued.
The governor reiterated his commitment to public safety, describing it as one of his key priorities from the campaign period. “Edo must be safe. We will not fold our arms and allow them to create unnecessary tension,” he affirmed, underscoring his administration’s determination to restore peace across the state.
