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), , 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
EdoState 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.”
Source: vanguard news paper.

Sitting back and observing....