Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has set the template for grassroots security across the various Communities in the seven Local Government Areas of Edo State, directing youth leaders (Okaighele) to appoint 5-10-member Advisory Committees and evolve strategies that would complement the government efforts in combating emerging security challenges.
Oba Ewuare disclosed this at a strategic meeting with youth leaders at Oba palace in Benin City, Edo State, is a follow-up to a similar meeting with heads of traditional adherents, including native doctors, traditional Priests, Priestesses in Benin, with a charge to unleash their spiritual warfare in curbing banditry.
The royal father, clarified that the individuals concern will report security matters directly to its Coordinator, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, Okao N’ Oreguae in charge of Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Benin, periodically and thereafter brief the appropriate authority.
The first Class traditional ruler said, the mode of the security operation ― anchored on the traditional neighborhood watch system, is met to secure homeland from bandits, while warning that the move however does not give anyone or groups the bragging right to either misbehave or oppress or sell communal land indiscriminately.
“We do not want you to fight yourselves or kill people. The purpose is to promote peace peace in our Communities.
“Edo people are not scared of battles. Our ancestors fought wars, liberated our people and conquered territories in the past with your youths. Those ganging up Edo people are doomed. We do not curse, but communicate with our ancestors. Killings, kidnappings have no place here.
“We advice herdsmen, armed robbers, and others to stop this evil. Edo State must be habitable for our children and people, including non-indigenes and investigators to dwell peacefully, according to the Oba who offered prayer to almighty God and his Royal ancestors for peace across Edo State and Nigeria.
Also speaking, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin further explained Oba Ewuare’s intention, charged concern persons to discharge their assignments with a high sense responsibility, especially in the selection process.
He tasked the youth leaders to “search for fearless men of integrity who have in-depth knowledge of their terrains as you embark on this assignment. We won’t cede any portion of Edo land. We want our peo
ple to be safe”.
