In their bid to end cult-related activities and other heinous crimes in Edo state, the Edo Youths Peace Coalition on Thursday in Benin said it has decided to support fully the recently enacted anti-cultism law in the state.
The Youths Coalition which comprises different Confraternity groups operating in the state gave their stance during a peaceful rally across the Benin metropolis that includes the Edo State House of Assembly Complex, Government House, the state police command, Palace of the Benin Monarch and Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Coalition at the centres one of the conveners, Barr. John Adewale Ezeghaegbe said that they (the different groups) have unanimously agreed to join hands with relevant authorities to say no to cult killings in the state.
He lamented that the violent activities of cult groups overtime have led to serious loss of lives, particularly the youths, noting that it was time to say no to all social vices in Edo.
Barr. Ezeghaegbe said: “We have gone past the stage of colours, we are now united and bonding. We are saying no to rape, drug abuse, mental laziness, and all social vices.
“We have taken a stand and we are not going back. Enough of killing sprees and other things that are bringing Edo State backward.
“We are supporting the Edo State anti-cultism law, which was enacted recently by the Edo State Governor and we are for it”.
He added: “We will arrest and prosecute any of our members who infringed on the law. We are now united and we are assuring that there will never be any incident of cult killings in the state.
“Enough of bloodshed, children are becoming fatherless, wives are becoming widows even at their prime.
“We are against it and nothing can change our stance So we have come together and resolved with one mind that these incessant killings and others should stop.
“We have come together to put a stop to this nuisance they called cultism. We are appealing that the anti-cultism law should be given more bite by the relevant authorities in the state,” he stated.
Also, Mr. Ohis Coker, one of the leaders of the coalition disclosed that part of the objectives of the rally was to sensitise members of the various groups that made up the coalition to shun violence and embrace peace at all times.
“We are saying no to youths restiveness, cultism and there is a need for us to come together and put a stoppage to these vices. We are going to continue with this public awareness until the desired result is achieved.
In their separate responses, Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, represented by the Majority Leader of the house, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, represented by Secretary of the Union, Comrade Andy Egbon and the commissioner of Police in the state, represented by Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Chidi Nwanbuzor, commended the coalition for the initiative.
According to SP. Nwanbuzor, the command is in support of the rally, saying that efforts of members of the coalition have demonstrated that they are good citizens of the country.
“Edo State police Command is fully behind you in this effort and for sensitizing the youths in the state to shun violence and crime .The police stands for peace and peace we shall ensure”, he said.
He advised the people to go about their rally in a peaceful manner and they should not allow hoodlums to hijack the exercise.
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