From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Speaker, Edo State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Fawaz Muhammad has condemned the increasingly rates of violence in the state just as he sues for support for the state governor, Monday Okpebholo so as to be able to win the war against cultism and other social vices in the state.
He expressed his disappoinment in a statement entitled: “Edo youths, say no to cultism and insecurity” signed and made available to Journalists in Benin.
Hon. Muhammad said the alarming rise in cult-related violence, kidnappings, and insecurity across the state, pose a grave threat to peace, youth development and the future of our communities.
Muhammad maintained that as Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, he strongly condemns the acts of violence and joins his voice with the Edo State Government in calling for an immediate action.
While lauding the state government in its fight against the menace of cultism, he called on other youths to toe the path of peace and reject any forms of pressure to join cultism.
“I particularly commend Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Project RISE (Resist Initiation, Securing Education) — a strategic initiative to tackle cultism through law enforcement, education, and youth empowerment.
“We must all rally behind this effort to reclaim our streets, campuses, and communities from the grip of fear.
“Security agencies must intensify operations to dismantle cult networks. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups must amplify advocacy and we, the youth, must resist recruitment, report threats, and embrace the path of peace and purpose.
“The Edo State Youth Parliament pledges its full support to all sincere efforts aimed at ending cultism and restoring safety across the state.
“Edo must rise above violence. Edo must be safe again”,
