Edo Youth Peace Coalition rallies against cultism in Benin

    Mr. Paul Adewale John Izeghaegbe              addressing members of the press.

By Bernadette Idalu
In line with dictates of the Edo State "Anti-cultism law" which prescribes a "Twenty one (21) year jail term for secret cult members and seven years imprisonment for anyone who harbours a cultist, empowering the police to arrest suspected cultists without a warrant and to ensure all offences under the law are tried summarily," members of the "Edo Youth Peace Coalition" today, July 11, 2024, carried out a sensitization rally, pledging to peace in Benin City.

Led by Mr. Paul Adewale John Izeghaegbe, this move, from observation, became necessary based on the prior expression of dismay by Governor Godwin Obaseki who spoke after a security council meeting on June 3, 2024, declaring, "What is particularly worrisome about cultism is the related homicide that goes with cult-related activities. From January to date, we have lost over 150 people to cult-related activities and homicide. We can’t tolerate and accept this situation anymore."

Izeghaegbe who addressed members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, during the stopover at the Press centre said the group wanted to use the media as a verifiable medium for information dissemination to announce to the world that they are out to maintain  peace in society.

Giving his perspective, Mr. Ohis Coker said this was a sensitization and attempt to halt unnecessary killings, noting, "Members of this group are not students. We have gone past the stage you can call us cultists. We are fathers. We have businesses that we do. We are no longer on that page. That is why we are trying to appeal to the youths because of their involvement in social vices; and at a slight provocation, they go into things they are not supposed to do. They kill at the slightest provocation because of their involvement with drugs. That is why we are out here on this rally."

Receiving the group on behalf of the Chairman of Council, NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Secretary of Council, Comrade Andy Egbon prayed that the unity the group has brought to bear will come to stay. He said, "You are partners in progress in moving Edo State forward. This initiative states so. We are all against killings. Most of the killings that happened in Edo State in the last six months, either directly or indirectly has affected all."

Egbon  prayed for the sustenance of the initiative, opining, "Rather than killing of our friends, brothers and relatives, it is better to dialogue and resolve all differences."

He nonetheless advised group to watch against infiltration or hijack of the rally by disgruntled youths who could use such opportunity to foment trouble so that the group will not be held liable for such.

Banners carried by the group read, "Say no to- Youth restiveness, drug abuse, cult killings, communal violence and cyber bullying."

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