OPC pledges support to security agencies against violent crimes in Edo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), a socio-cultural organisation, has warned merchants of violence against crossing Benin red lines amid the worsening security crisis in Nigeria.

The group issued the warning during a peaceful rally to government institutions and the Oba of Benin’s palace in Benin City, where it pledged to assist security agencies in fighting violent crimes.

Prince Sylvester Eweka, who led the group, stated that they could no longer fold their arms, watching with consternation as agents of destabilisation cast aspersions on the Benin traditional institution, emphasising that doomsday awaits evildoers in Edo land.

“We are here today due to the strange happenings in Edo land. It has been long, and we have been seeing it, but we do not want to take the law into our hands.

“Our fathers and mothers can hardly go to their farms without being kidnapped or killed. We are ready to support the development and protection of Edo State.

“The situation is now becoming an embarrassment. Some people now cast aspersion on Edo. Some of them feel that they have militants, and that they can lord it over us. No. We will resist them. That will no longer happen again. We cannot be in our community and we are afraid,” Mr Eweka said.

Other leaders of the OPC in the state, Comrade Alfa Suleiman and Ms Tina Balogun, also pledged to support the fight against insecurity with their numerical strength and resist any form of aggression against the state, citing the historical antecedents of the Benin Kingdom.

Responding on behalf of the Benin palace, Chief Uyi Okungbowa (the Ogua of Benin), joined by Chief Emmanuel Iyase (the Okao No’reguae of Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Benin) and Chief John Aiyamekhue (the Obayagbon of Benin), said the palace had acknowledged their concerns and would communicate to the concerned authorities accordingly while urging them to remain lawful and peaceful at all times.