By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A non-political group, the Fans Golden Club International (FGCI) has called for the involvement of traditional rulers in the security architecture of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to check the spate of kidnapping and killings in Edo state, particularly Esan land (Edo Central Senatorial District).

The group also commended Okpebholo for the recent steps he has taken to check kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state, just as it condemned the recent killing of 16 suspected kidnappers in Uromi and the steps the governor took to douse the tension it generated.

According to a statement by the President and Secretary of FGCI, Sir Thomas Okoudoh and Dr Alex Orukpe, the group also called on the state government to recruit hunters into the state vigilance group since they are used to terrains in the communities and the forests.

Part of the statement made available to Vanguard in Benin City on Thursday said the club which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is aimed at the welfare of its members, the entire Esan race and makes meaningful contributions in our great Nation Nigeria.

It reads that “We condemned in strong terms the killings of 16 suspected kidnappers in Uromi, as it is totally out of place to take the life of anybody without just cause.

“We condemned the regular kidnapping, raping and wanton killing in Esanland and call for overhaul of the security architecture in Esanland and Edo State in general.

“We wish to thank His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State for the swift actions he took to douse the tension that arose from the killing of the 16 kidnappers in Uromi.

“We also thank His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo for the Anti-cultism and Anti Kidnapping policy of Edo State, as we believe it will go a long way in discouraging people from resorting to secret cult and kidnapping as an option.”

“The Club encourages the state government to expedite actions on the recruitment of Hunters and Vigilante groups into Edo State Security Network, and also ensure they are properly profiled for arms handling and monitoring.

“Royal Fathers should be involved in the security network of the state as they are the custodians of our traditions and also very close to the people”

The statement also urged the government to ensure proper checks of groups and individuals entering the state.