The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has visited soldiers wounded during an attack by assailants in Okomu Community.
The governor, who expressed his displeasure over the incident, vowed that the State Government will fish out individuals and groups behind the attack.
The governor was represented during the visit at the Military Hospital in Benin City, by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare. He was received by the Director of the Military Hospital, Brig. Gen. Pauline Olubunmi Aburime.
Other government officials in the entourage include the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Kingsley Uwagbale; Commissioner for Mining & Energy, Enaholo Ojiefo, and heads of security agencies in the State.
Obaseki said, “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.
“In Edo, we have the issues of cultism and Okaigheles. The data available to us at the State Security Council meeting showed that Okaigheles are largely responsible for the threat to the security of Edo State which led to the ban on their activities.”
The governor added, “Just as the State Government banned Okaigheles and their activities, some people are condemning the ban saying people should ignore it and this has encouraged those that went to Okomu forest to attack soldiers protecting our assets.
“Three soldiers were badly wounded. 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 appeal to leaders of Edo South to discourage the youths who are armed to desist from these acts as they are not only attacking soldiers but also civilians on the streets. We are here to visit the soldiers and appeal to them that the Edo State Government will take care of the bills incurred.”
Governor Obaseki warned the perpetrators to desist from such acts because the State Government will not tolerate such acts to prevent what happened in Odi Community in Bayelsa State or the incident in Delta State.
He noted: “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. 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 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. We advise those that belong to any cult group to return the arms they have, renounce their membership of any cult groups they belong to.”
