Against the
background of incessant kidnappings and other violent crimes in Edo State,
members of various cult groups in the state came together in Benin, weekend, in
a move they said was to tackle insecurity in the state.
However, the cult
groups during their summit with the theme Interactive Peace
Summit: Strategy for Social Cohesion, which held at the Sand Beach Resorts,
Benin, expressed dissatisfaction with threats posed to Edo and other
neighboring states due to the activities of kidnappers, armed robbery gangs and
other criminal activities. They resolved to tackle them.
Represented
Some of the cult
groups represented by at the summit included Green Circuit (Maphites),
Norsemen (Vikings), Black Axe, Eiye Confraternity, Family Fraternity of
Nigeria and Avarian Organisation of Nigeria.
Also in attendance were
representatives of Governor Adams Oshiomhole; the Iyase (traditional Prime
Minister) of BeninKingdom, Chief Sam Igbe; representatives of the Edo State
Commissioner of Police and that of AIG Zone 5 Benin and representatives of the
Director, Department of State Services.
Others were representatives of the
Commandant of Civil Defence and Security Corps, Edo State Neighbourhood Watch
Council and the OC, SIB, AIG Zone 5.
Chairman of the Consolidated Forum,
Donald Edeo-ghon, while acknowledging the damage done by activities of the
group, however expressed hope that the coalition of the groups would help in
checking crime in the state.
He said: “If you remember, for over
two decades, inter-group conflicts, which often resulted in violent and fatal
crises, were the attributes of EdoState communities.
“Innocent lives and property of
inestimable worth are destroyed on a whim.
“Armed robbery, kidnapping, thuggery
and sundry social vices rose to unprecedented levels; it became dangerous to
reside and function legitimately in Edo State and in particular, Benin.
“The situation looked bad, but then
came the platform of Rainbow Consolidated Forum with a template for all
seasons.”
Chief Igbe expressed joy at what he
witnessed and called on the groups not to disappoint, saying “you know I am
going to brief the Oba on what I have witnessed here today.”
- - Vanguard
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