Oba of Benin directs youth leaders to form community security committees

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, 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 10-member advisory committees and evolve strategies that would complement government’s efforts in combating emerging security challenges.

The Oba gave the directive at a strategic meeting with youth leaders at his palace in Benin City.

The meeting was 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 Benin monarch clarified that the individuals concerned 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.

He 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 in our communities.

“Edo people are not scared of battles. Our ancestors fought wars, liberated our people and conquered territories in the past with our youths. Those ganging up against Edo people are doomed. We do not curse, but communicate with our ancestors. Killings, kidnappings have no place here.

“We advise herdsmen, armed robbers, and others to stop this evil. Edo State must be habitable for our children and people, including non-indigenes and investors to dwell peacefully”, the Oba said and offered prayer to almighty God and his Royal ancestors for peace across Edo State and Nigeria.

Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, Akenuwa of Benin, further explained Oba Ewuare’s intention, charging concerned persons to discharge their assignments with a high sense of responsibility, especially in the selection process.

Osamwonyi 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 Edoland. We want our people to be safe.”