By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY –THE governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has renewed the commitment of his administration to the fight against cultism, saying he would not be intimidated by threats from any quarters.

Okpebholo stated this when he received thousands of youths across the state who were on a peaceful rally to government house where they pledged their support to the government’s fight against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

He said if his life was not protected as a youth, he would not have become the governor of the state, and so it is incumbent on his administration to ensure no more lives are lost to cultism.

He said “We must save our land. Cultism must stop in Edo State because if I were killed by cultists as a youth, I would not have become the governor of Edo State today.

“Every Edo blood matters to us as an administration, and no matter the intimidation, they will not stop me as the fight against cultism is total. We must continue to fight until we stop cultism in Edo State.

“Edo must be safe for us. Otherwise, investors will be afraid to come and invest in the State because they would feel it is not safe for them and their investments. The way to attract investors is to stop cult killings and send bad people away from the State,” he stated.

The Governor justified the demolition of a building linked to a cultist, saying proper procedures were followed saying “We are resolute on this fight. I am not afraid of them, neither my administration nor Edo people. Together, we will stop the cult killings.

“I thank you all for taking this stand and supporting our determination to stop cultism in Edo State. These cultists are our enemies and want to kill the dreams of the State. They should continue in their threats. They will not stop us as we will do all that is needed to be done to ensure cultism becomes a thing of the past in the State,” he declared.

Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Moses Aguinede, said Edo youths were standing with the governor on whatever measures he has decided to take to ensure the State is free from cultism.

He noted that youths in the state embarked on a peaceful rally against cultism because they are all fed up with the negativity that cultism brings to the Heartbeat of the Nation.

“We are all tired of cult killings in Edo State and support the governor in the fight against cultism and drug abuse in the State. We are in solidarity with you on the campaign your administration has embarked on against cultism and drug-related issues in the State,” he said.

He said the peaceful rally was the fallout of a meeting held last week among students and youth leaders of the three Senatorial Districts.

A youth leader and human rights activist, Comrade Precious Oruche said youths in the State are tired of innocent lives being lost to cultism and commended the governor for the swift actions he has taken to halt the trend since he assumed office.