The Edo State Government has announced plans to offer amnesty to cultists and criminally-minded youths who are willing to renounce violence and surrender illegal arms. Governor Monday Okpebholo revealed this during a meeting with leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities in Benin City, as part of efforts to curb insecurity and reclaim land for the proposed Coral City project.
The governor said a technical committee will soon be established to manage the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-cultists through skills acquisition and empowerment programs. This initiative aims to reduce violent crimes such as kidnapping and cult-related activities across the state.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and development, particularly in communities affected by past conflicts over land acquisition. He pledged support for those impacted by demolitions under the previous administration and urged affected individuals to present their documents to the state’s Committee on Land Resolution.
On the new city development, the governor assured that traditional sites would be preserved during the construction of LOT ‘A’. Property owners in LOT ‘B’ were encouraged to submit their land documents once the regularisation process begins.
He also called on all landowners across Edo to register their properties with the Edo Geographical Information System (Edo GIS) to secure their land titles.
Community leaders Pa. Michael Omoruyi, Pa. Abel Emokpae, and Ebo Amagba expressed strong support for the government’s peace and development plans, describing Okpebholo’s approach as the first meaningful dialogue with the state since their lands were first acquired in 2017.
The Committee on Land Resolution, recently set up by the governor, includes Dr. Tony Ikpasaja as Chairman and Dr. Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as Secretary, alongside officials from the Ministries of Justice and Physical Planning, and the office of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
