Ban On Okaigheles Remains, Edo Government Insists

The Edo State Government has said that the ban on the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) in the Edo South Senatorial District has not been revoked.
The government said the Okaigheles were cultists who posed serious threat to the security and stability of the state.
The Palace of the Oba of Benin had rejected the decision of Edo State Government to ban the youth leaders in the seven local government areas that make up the Edo South Senatorial District.
A statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said that the government is not rescinding the ban on the Okhaigheles.
Nehikhare said the ban on the activities of Okhaigheles and cultists in Edo South communities was due to the alarming rise in cult-related activities and killings.
He stated that the decision was made in the interest of public safety and to curb the growing violence that has plagued the communities.
He stated that while the state government respects the traditions and customs of the communities, it is important to note that the safety and security of citizens must always come first.
“The state government notes that statements like the one made by Chief Osaro Idah embolden these criminals to take up arms against ordinary citizens, the military, police, and other constitutional security agencies.
“For example, on Friday, June 7, 2024, some so-called youths opened fire on three members of the Nigerian Army attached to Okomu Oil Palm Plc. in Ovia South West Local Government Area, injuring them and throwing the community into pandemonium.
“In the coming weeks, the government will proceed with a full-scale operation to disarm these criminal elements and neutralize their threat against public peace,” he said.
The government warned in the strongest terms that it would not allow any individual or organization, no matter how highly placed, to undermine the efforts of the State Security Council to protect the lives and property of the people.