Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the state’s Police Commissioner, Mr Umoru Ozigi to take immediate action to end violent clashes by cult groups in Benin City, the state capital.
In the order handed to CP Ozigi on Thursday, the governor has also banned the Drivers’ Welfare Association and Network Empowerment, as well as reaffirmed the dissolution of all revenue-collection agencies in the state.
A statement signed by media aide, Mr Fred Itua, revealed that the governor directed “The Commissioner of Police in the State should instruct his officers and men across the various formations to immediately swing into action and halt the unnecessary bloodbath.”
It would be recalled that Governor Okpebholo, on Wednesday, ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.
The Governor had said he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
On the state’s security, the governor said, “Cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it, and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 hours. All those involved in the killings should be stopped.
“Some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here. They all remain banned, and the Commissioner of Police must ensure that his men carry out this instruction by giving teeth to this ban.
“Edo must be safe. That was one of my key priorities during the campaigns, and I plan to ensure that we restore peace at all costs. We will not fold our arms and allow them to create unnecessary tension,” the statement read.
