From Moshood Karim
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has proposed an amnesty programme for cultists and individuals in possession of illegal firearms, as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity and pave the way for the development of a new city in Benin.
The Governor made this known during a meeting with leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities on Tuesday. He urged cult members to renounce their activities and embrace reform, while encouraging those with illegal weapons to voluntarily surrender them in exchange for clemency.
A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the amnesty initiative would include skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, aimed at reintegrating repentant youths into society and curbing the rising tide of violent crimes such as kidnapping.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and inclusive development, assuring community leaders of support as work begins on the proposed new city. He said a technical committee would soon be constituted to oversee the restitution process for cultists and other criminally-minded youths.
“In developing the new city, government is committed to safeguarding traditional sites and ensuring that landowners’ rights are protected,” the Governor said. “We are also ready to hear from victims of past demolitions under the previous administration. Those affected should approach the Committee on Land Resolution with their relevant documents.”
The Governor added that regularisation of land titles in the affected areas would be prioritised. He urged property owners across the State to survey and register their land with the Edo Geographical Information System (Edo GIS) to secure valid land titles.
Community representatives—Pa Michael Omoruyi (Obagie), Pa Abel Emokpae (Oke-Oroma), and Ebo Amagba (Amagba)—expressed full support for the Governor’s peace and development agenda. They welcomed the initiative to engage with them directly, noting that it was the first time the State Government had done so since their lands were first acquired in 2017.
The communities also lamented the confrontations with the past administration, describing the incidents as painful and avoidable.
The newly constituted Committee on Land Resolution is chaired by Dr Tony Ikpasaja, with Dr Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as Secretary. Other members include the Surveyor-General of the State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning, a State counsel from the Ministry of Justice, and Dr Felix Iyalomhen from the office of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
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