…say ‘they are threats to devt in communities’

Edo residents have asked the State Government not to rescind the ban on the activities of Okaigheles in communities across Edo South Senatorial District.

A cross section of the residents who spoke to journalists on Tuesday, said the decision to ban activities of the community youth leaders was long overdue, noting that it will put a check on the criminal activities that have posed serious threats to the security of lives and property across the seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District.

Recall that in a statement, at the weekend, the state government reaffirmed its decision to ban the activities of Okaigheles and Cultists in Edo South communities. Government noted that the State Security Council data showed that two groups - Okaigheles and cultists - posed the most severe threat to the security and stability of the State, resulting in the decision of the Council to place a total ban on the criminal groups.

A resident in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government of the State, George Osadolor said: “The government should never allow Okiagheles to return to our communities again. They have not been peaceful in the way they operate. They were set up to protect the communities but their actions have rather shown that they do not have our interest at heart.”

A resident in Isihor, Ovia North East, Douglas Egberanmwen, said: “I love the state government's decision. These youth leaders go about harassing and threatening people instead of protecting community assets.”

Omo Isibor, who lives in Uteh community, appealed to the Edo State Government not to rescind its decision on the ban, noting, “Please I want to appeal to the Edo State Government not to go back on its decision to ban the activities of the Okaigheles in Benin. The ban should be enforced for our collective good.”

On his part, Godgift Idahosa narrated how community youth leaders threaten the peace in communities across the Benin City, stating: ‘These same people (Okaigheles) came to collect working tools from workers (tilers) last month at a construction site, claiming they are the new leaders in the community. We were made to pay N200,000 before we were allowed to continue work.”