Okpebholo dangles window of restitution for cultists to renounce, mulls amnesty
The governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday announced an amnesty programme for cultists in the state.
A statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said Governor Okpebholo made this known while meeting with the leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities over land and insecurity concerns in Benin city.
He said the government offered them a chance to renounce their affiliations, surrender illegal arms, and reintegrate into society through skill acquisition and empowerment initiatives.
Okpebholo urged those involved in cult-related activities to seize the opportunity to turn a new leaf, stressing that a technical committee would soon be established to manage the restitution process for cultists and criminally minded youths.
He said the aim was to tackle the rising menace of violent crimes, including kidnapping.
“I am dangling a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty. A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment to make them useful to themselves and to society in the long run”, said Okpebholo.
Okpebholo also pledged to support community leaders in restoring peace to conflict-prone areas, naming Oko-Oroma, Amagba, and Obagie as key flashpoints.
