NBM hails Okpebholo’s crackdown on cult violence

File: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

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The Neo Black Movement of Africa has commended the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as the significant reduction in cult-related violence and unlawful killings across the state, following the implementation of recent security measures.

The National Head of the NBM of Africa, Aliu Hope, in a statement obtained on Wednesday, lauded Okpebholo’s “proactive approach to restoring calmness and safeguarding lives and property.”

The PUNCH reported last week that the government beefed up security in parts of the state.

In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the governor assured residents of adequate security.

Itua said that since assuming office, the governor had treated security as a top priority and had “not left any stone unturned” in confronting emerging threats.

“These measures are designed to ensure early detection, swift response, and sustained pressure against criminal networks,” he added.

The NBM noted that the results demonstrated effective leadership and a focused commitment to public safety, adding that efforts to halt violence and stabilise communities deserved broad support from all responsible stakeholders.

Commenting further in the Wednesday statement, Hope reiterated that the NBM of Africa was founded on the principles of brotherhood, discipline, integrity, social justice, and an unwavering commitment to peace and equality.

He emphasised that the movement was fundamentally opposed to violence, criminality, and any conduct that undermines social harmony.

Over the years, he said, the NBM of Africa had promoted constructive youth development, community empowerment, and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria and beyond.

He stressed that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, adding that no community should live in fear or insecurity.

Addressing the demolition of the organisation’s Edo secretariat earlier this year, Hope clarified that the development stemmed from misinformation.

In May, Okpebholo, through his CPS, Itua, said a building belonging to the NBM of Africa was demolished because “the building in question was not just a regular structure; it was a hub for planning and executing violent attacks across Benin metropolis and other parts of Edo State.”

“No responsible government will allow such criminal enclaves to flourish,” Itua stated.

The government said the demolition was based on credible intelligence and carried out in line with the Anti-Cultism Law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

However, Hope maintained that its secretariat had never been used for criminal activities and reiterated that the NBM of Africa is a duly registered socio-cultural organisation, operating transparently and in full compliance with applicable laws.

“The movement does not provide sanctuary for individuals engaged in criminal behaviour,” the statement said.

Hope further expressed the NBM’s readiness to collaborate with the Edo State Government and security agencies in the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

He noted that any individual, regardless of affiliation, who engaged in violent or unlawful acts should be apprehended, prosecuted, and held accountable under the law.

He stressed that violence harms everyone, victims, communities, and even perpetrators who ultimately seek stability in their environment.

He concluded that sustained progress in restoring peace across Edo would benefit all communities.

“The NBM of Africa remains committed to supporting lawful initiatives that foster peace, unity, and socio-economic development, and expresses readiness to continue constructive engagement with the government and people of Edo State to build a secure and peaceful society,” he said.

Gbenga has been covering Metro, politics and education beats for two years as a print and digital journalist

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