Benin City — The Edo State Government has announced plans to offer amnesty to cult members and individuals in possession of illegal arms, as part of a wider strategy to curb insecurity and criminality across the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with community leaders from Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba — areas affected by recent security concerns and proposed for the development of a new city.
Governor Okpebholo said the amnesty window would allow cult members and criminally-minded youths to renounce violence and reintegrate into society. Those who surrender illegal arms will also be eligible. A technical committee, he noted, will soon be inaugurated to coordinate the restitution process and support affected individuals through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
“This initiative will help reduce violent crimes, including kidnapping, and make our youths useful to themselves and the larger society,” the governor stated.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the proposed new city around the three communities, assuring leaders of government support in restoring peace and addressing grievances linked to past demolitions.
He urged those affected by property demolitions during the previous administration to present their documentation to the Committee on Land Resolution for review.
Speaking on the development of LOT ‘A’ in the new city plan, Governor Okpebholo promised the preservation of traditional sites, while encouraging residents in LOT ‘B’ to prepare and submit their land documents when the process begins.
He also announced plans for a general land regularisation effort, calling on all property owners across the state to register their holdings with the Edo Geographical Information System (EdoGIS). “Survey your land and register them with EdoGIS so you can collect your titles,” he advised.
Community leaders — Pa Michael Omoruyi (Obagie), Pa Abel Emokpae (Oke-Oroma), and Ebo Amagba (Amagba) — pledged their support for the state’s plans, particularly the new city development and efforts to enhance security.
They commended Governor Okpebholo for initiating direct engagement with the communities — the first since 2017 — and expressed relief at the more conciliatory tone compared to past clashes under the previous administration.
It will be recalled that under former Governor Godwin Obaseki, these communities were involved in a series of violent confrontations with government agencies, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.
The Land Resolution Committee, already inaugurated by Governor Okpebholo, is chaired by Dr Tony Ikpasaja, with Dr Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as secretary. Other members include the State Surveyor-General, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning, a representative from the Ministry of Justice, and Dr Felix Iyalomhen from the Edo State House of Assembly.
