Our reporter
A group of concerned women, under the banner of Concerned Edo Ladies, has voiced their outrage over the on-going cult-related violence that has claimed the lives of many youths in Edo State.
Clad in black and holding placards with powerful messages like “Stop killing our husbands,” “End the violence now,” and “Say no to bloodshed,” the women gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State council secretatiat to demand an immediate halt to the killings.
The protest, organised by Precious Omoghan Ikponmwen and Ojo Gloria Eki, highlighted the devastating toll the violence is taking on families and communities.
In their statement, the conveners lamented that the State’s youth—the future of Nigeria—are being senselessly cut down in the prime of their lives. They urged for peace and a peaceful resolution to the on-going conflict, emphasising the need for reconciliation far outweighs the continued loss of life.
“We have lost husbands, brothers, sons—men who were supposed to be the future of this state. This is not justice, it is destruction,” the statement read. “The time has come for those responsible for these senseless killings to lay down their arms and seek peace. Our youth deserve to live in a state of harmony where they can thrive, not fear for their lives.”
Sandra Aigbogun, widely known as Lady Sadoka, also joined the protest, sharing her concerns over the alarming rise in violence. “Enough is enough,” she declared. “This is not the Edo we know. It is time to end this cycle of violence. We need peace for our state, for our children, and for our future.”
The group’s call for peace was met with support from the NUJ Edo Chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, who praised the women for taking a stand against the violence. He highlighted the long-term negative effects the killings could have on the State’s development, particularly the impact on the workforce.
“The bloodshed must stop,” Dr. Alenkhe stated. “If we are to progress as a State, we need our youth alive, healthy, and contributing to the development of Edo State. This violence is not only a tragedy but an impediment to the future of our communities.”
