From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, told the state Commissioner of Police to halt the violent cult clashes in the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, said the governor has also banned Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment in the state.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo has directed the State Commissioner of Police to instruct his officers and men across the various formations to immediately swing into action and halt the unnecessary bloodbath.
The Governor had on Wednesday ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice, promising to review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
“As the Governor of Edo State, cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 years. All those involved in the killings should be stopped.
“Some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here. They all remain banned, and the CP must ensure that his men carry out this instruction by giving teeth to this ban.
“Edo must be safe. That was one of my key priorities during the campaigns, and I plan to ensure that we restore it at all costs. We will not fold our arms and allow them to create unnecessary tension”.