Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki has blamed recents incidence of insecurities on cult groups and Okaigheles (Youth Leaders) in the State.
Obaseki who was speaking against the background of Friday’s attacks by unknown gunmen on soldiers on guard at Okomu Oil facilities in Okomu Community said his government is confronted with the issues of cult groups and Okaigheles.
Three soldiers were injured in the attack and are currently battling for their lives at the military hospital in Benin City.
The governor, who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, promised to foot the medical bills incurred at the hospital.
“All Edo people, irrespective of party affiliation, must support the government in this fight against cultism and killings in the state as the state has lost over 150 people as a result of the acts,” said Edo State commissioner for communication and orientation Chris Nehikare who spoke on behalf of the governor.
“Just as the State Government banned Okaigheles and their activities, some people are condemning the ban. Members of the public should ignore it and this has encouraged those that went to Okomu forest to attack soldiers protecting our assets
“We advise those that belong to any cult group to return the arms they have and renounce their membership of any cult groups they belong to.
“We will start an operation this week to flush these people out, as we have a lot of security information and data that will help us flush them out.
Speaking on the attack on the soldiers he added.
“It is not right for the military personnel to be attacked in any community here in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we were aware of what happened in a community in Delta State where over twenty (20) soldiers were killed by youths.
“We have one here now while others are worse. Their gunboats were destroyed. We don’t want a situation where we will be losing soldiers to reckless, dangerous cult groups.
“We thank the Nigerian Army, a responsible organisation that doesn’t take the laws into their own hands. If not it would have been a different story.
“We are here to visit the soldiers and appeal to them that the Edo State Government will take care of the bills incurred.”
The governor appealed to leaders of Edo South Senatorial District to discourage the youths who are armed to desist from acts of violence as they are not only attacking soldiers but also civilians on the streets.
