Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Members of the youth group also known as Okaeghele in Edo South have expressed their readiness to work with the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the state police command and other security agencies to foster peace for rapid development in the state.
In a statement signed by 26 of the youth community leaders ” Okaeghele and made available to journalists in Benin City, appealed to the state government to rescind its decision to ban their activities as they remain law abiding always.
The statement dated 8 June , 2024 deny any knowledge of secret cult activities in the state as they are not members of any of the cult groups.
The statement also said they do not constitute security threat to communities as they have always played significant and decisive roles in mobilizing the youths to maintain peace in their localities.
They stated that they are well known to the Divisional Police Officers and their fellow police personnel as well as other security agencies covering their areas as they have repeatedly helped in enforcing and maintaining law and order in the communities.
The statement recalled that they have not been found wanting by their communities as they have been working with their Odionwere and Enogies peacefully.
The statement appealed to the Edo state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies not to arrest, harass or obstruct them from carrying out their legitimate activities.
The youth leaders said they reserve legal rights to function as legitimate members of the various communities in the lawful capacity of Okaigheles and will take all legitimate steps to protect themselves from being molested or ill- treated.