The Edo State Government has strongly condemned the daylight killing of a youth at the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), describing the incident as a direct attack on public safety and human dignity.
In a statement issued on Monday, Governor Monday Okpebholo said the murder, carried out by gunmen on Sunday, was “brazen and cold-blooded” and completely unacceptable.
The governor expressed condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, assuring them that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
According to the statement, the Edo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the incident, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down those responsible.
“They may run, but they cannot hide forever,” the governor stated, adding that the case would not be swept under the rug.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to eradicate cultism and violent crime across the state, stressing that Edo would not serve as a haven for criminals.
The government highlighted ongoing measures to combat cult-related violence, including sustained security operations in cult-prone communities, arrests and prosecution of suspected cultists, and stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army.
The statement also noted that the administration has continued to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in efforts aimed at curbing cultism and preventing youth recruitment into criminal gangs.
Governor Okpebholo further reiterated support for rehabilitation and reintegration programmes targeted at vulnerable youths, saying lasting peace requires both enforcement and preventive measures.
While acknowledging that the government’s anti-cultism efforts are yielding results, the governor described the latest killing as a reminder that more work remains 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 declared.
The government called on members of the public with useful information about the incident to report to the Edo State Police Command or other security agencies, assuring that all information provided would be treated confidentially.