Activist seeks amnesty for cultists in Edo

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Human rights activist, Marxist Kola Edokpayi on Tuesday advocated for amnesty for cultists towards ending the killings in some parts of Edo State.
He berated the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki for failing to utilise his N4 billion yearly security vote for the safely of lives and property in the state.
The activist and the Speaker of Talakawa Parliament made the remark while delivering a public lecture to mark the United Nations World Human Rights Day Celebrations in Benin.
He wondered why the Governor had to fold his arm and allow cult-related killings to persist.
He urged the Governor to immediately convoke a meeting of heads of the various cult groups for dialogue towards roadmap to peace.
According to him, “we are living in a society where goats are killing lions. Today, the streets of Benin is littered with blood. Despite the huge amount of money he collects as security vote. Today, we now rely on God for protection. Cult killings are so rampant in Benin now.
“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to him not to fold his hands while youths are dying in Edo State.
“The leaders of these cult groups are not faceless He (Obaseki) should grant amnesty to them. The Governor should release funds from his security vote instead of diverting it…He should dialogue with them. Let us stop bothering God with trivial things that can be achieved with cooperation.”