Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced plans to grant amnesty to cultists who renounce their membership and individuals in possession of illegal firearms who surrender their weapons to authorities.
The governor made this declaration during a meeting with leaders from Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities in Benin City, where discussions centered on land disputes and security concerns.
According to Governor Okpebholo, a technical committee will soon be established to oversee the reintegration of former cult members and youth involved in criminal activities, with the aim of reducing violent crimes including kidnapping in the state.
"The amnesty program will include skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives to ensure those who renounce cultism and surrender weapons can be trained to become productive members of society," the governor stated.
New City Development and Land Resolution
During the meeting, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to developing a new city around the three communities while promising to restore peace to all restive areas in the state.
The governor assured community leaders that his administration would listen to victims of demolitions carried out by the previous government. He urged affected property owners to present their documentation to the newly established Committee on Land Resolution.
"On the development of LOT 'A' in the new city plan, the government will look around and protect the traditional sites in the process of developing the new town," Okpebholo explained. "Those in LOT 'B' can come forward with their documents to the committee once the process commences."
He added that the government would implement a regularization process for land properties in affected areas to enable property owners to reclaim their lands in other designated lots.
Land Resolution Committee
The governor announced the formation of a Land Resolution Committee to be chaired by Dr. Tony Ikpasaja, with Dr. Abdulwasiu Oyakhire serving as Secretary. Other members include the State Surveyor General, 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 Edo State House of Assembly.
Okpebholo also encouraged property owners across the state to register their properties with the Edo State Geographical Information System and survey their lands to obtain proper land titles.
Community representatives, including Pa. Michael Omoruyi, Pa Abel Emokpae, and Ebo Amagba, expressed their support for the governor's initiatives, particularly regarding the development of LOT 'A' in the new city and efforts to improve security in their communities. They also commended the establishment of the Land Resolution Committee as a platform for engagement.
The governor had previously revealed that Edo State loses over $1 billion annually to cult-related violence, highlighting the economic impact of insecurity in the region.
