The Edo State Government has condemned the killing of a young man by unidentified gunmen near the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin City on Sunday, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Governor Monday Okpebholo said the broad-daylight murder was a direct threat to public safety and human dignity.
The governor expressed condolences to the family and associates of the deceased, assuring them that those behind the attack would be brought to justice.
“The brazen and cold-blooded killing on a day regarded as sacred by many is an affront to human dignity, a threat to public safety, and an attack on everything this administration stands for. It is completely unacceptable,” the statement read.
According to the government, the Edo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the incident, while other security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators.
Governor Okpebholo assured residents that the matter would not be ignored, stressing that the government remained committed to eradicating cult-related violence across the state.
He noted that since assuming office, his administration had launched sustained security operations in cult-prone communities, leading to the arrest and prosecution of suspected cultists.
The governor also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the state government and security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, to dismantle criminal networks operating in Edo State.
He added that the administration had continued to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in efforts to curb cultism and youth violence.
Okpebholo further stated that the government was supporting rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for youths vulnerable to cult recruitment as part of a broader strategy to ensure lasting peace and security.
While acknowledging progress made so far, the governor described the latest killing as a reminder that more work needed to be done.
“Edo State will not be a sanctuary for criminals. Those who carry arms and terrorise innocent people will face the full consequences of the law,” he stated.
The government called on members of the public with useful information about the incident to report to the Edo State Police Command or other relevant security agencies, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that residents no longer fall victim to cult-related violence.
