•Oba of Benin Ewuare II
In a dramatic traditional response to the worsening security situation in Edo State, the Benin Kingdom yesterday launched a spiritual offensive against violent crime, invoking ancestral curses on kidnappers, ritual killers, cultists and other criminal elements while performing sacred rites to fortify the ancient kingdom.
The ceremony, held at the historic Kings Square in the heart of Benin City, drew traditional priests, chiefs, palace functionaries and residents who gathered to witness the symbolic exercise aimed at reclaiming the land from criminals and restoring peace across the state, reports Daily Independent.
The ceremony was held in line with an earlier proclamation by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who had designated July 2 for the sacred rites as part of the kingdom’s traditional response to the rising wave of insecurity.
True to his declaration, the historic ceremony took place as scheduled at the iconic Kings Square.
For many Edo people, whose rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual beliefs, the significance of the ceremony extends beyond symbolism.
Many residents expressed hope that the intervention would mark a turning point in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and other violent crimes that have persisted despite sustained security operations and other government measures.
Conducted under the authority of the Benin traditional institution, the rites declared that anyone involved in kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery, cultism or other violent crimes within the kingdom would face severe spiritual consequences unless they abandoned their criminal activities and made restitution.
Beyond invoking curses on criminal elements, the traditional priests also offered prayers for peace, protection and prosperity, declaring that Benin Kingdom must no longer serve as a haven for kidnappers, murderers and other violent offenders.
The intervention comes as insecurity continues to cast a shadow over many parts of Edo State, where kidnappings, cult-related killings and attacks on communities have heightened public anxiety.
Farmlands, forests and major highways have increasingly become scenes of violent attacks, leaving many residents fearful of carrying out their daily activities.
Addressing participants after the rites, one of the traditional priests,who refused to give his name, declared: “We are invoking the authority of our ancestors and the customs of Benin Kingdom to declare that anyone who kidnaps, sheds innocent blood, engages in ritual killings, cultism or any form of violent crime on this land will not know peace until they abandon their evil ways.”
He added: “This land is sacred. We are asking for divine protection over our communities and declaring that Benin Kingdom must not become a refuge for kidnappers, murderers and other criminals.”
Another senior Chief of the Benin traditional institution said the exercise was intended to complement ongoing security efforts rather than replace them.
“Our responsibility is to preserve the peace, dignity and sanctity of the kingdom. Today’s rites are meant to reinforce our cultural values and complement the efforts of security agencies in combating crime,” the representative said.
Residents who witnessed the ceremony welcomed the development.
One resident said: “We have lost too many lives to kidnapping and violent crimes. Every lawful effort that can help restore peace is welcome. Our greatest desire is to return to a time when people could travel, farm and sleep in their homes without fear.”
Another resident added: “We don’t care whether the solution comes through the courts, the security agencies or our traditional institutions. What matters is that insecurity comes to an end and our communities become safe again.”
The worsening insecurity in Nigeria, and Edo State in particular, has become a major concern for residents, with persistent cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence and ritual killings leaving many communities in fear.
In several affected areas, farmlands have become unsafe, while forests and major highways are increasingly regarded as dangerous due to the activities of armed criminal groups.
Although security agencies have recorded successes in some operations, many residents believe the scale of the challenge requires sustained and coordinated action.
Reflecting the government’s determination to tackle the menace, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo recently proposed the establishment of a special court to conduct day-to-day trials of suspects accused of violent crimes, including kidnapping, cultism and ritual killings. He also declared that he would not hesitate to sign the execution warrants of convicts sentenced to death in accordance with the law for such heinous offences.
Commenting on the development, a Benin based trader, Obiora Dominic said, said: “I know much about security and I have been very involved here in Benin City.
“I can say that, traditional interventions will sure strengthen community resolve and reinforce cultural values, but they should work alongside intelligence gathering, effective policing and a functional justice system if lasting security is to be achieved.”
Against this backdrop, the intervention by the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution has been welcomed by many residents as another effort to confront the security crisis.
For residents, the overriding goal is simple: a return to peace and safety in their homes, on their farms, in their workplaces and on the highways.
Many hope that the traditional intervention, alongside government action, judicial reforms and sustained security operations, will help turn the tide against violent crime and restore lasting peace across Edo State.
