Hundreds of young women on Tuesday stormed major streets in Benin City metropolis, protesting against the spate of cult-related killings in Edo State.
DAILY POST reports that the women, who are between the ages of 30 and 35, lamented that the killings have turned most of them into widows, while also making it difficult for others to get husbands.
The protesting women, who were clad in black, called on the Edo State Government, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies in the state, to help stop the killings.
The young ladies who stormed the premises of the Edo State House of Assembly and the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, noted that the incessant killing of young men in cult clashes, is making it difficult for girls to get husbands as it was capable of creating scarcity of men in the society.
One of the protesters, Miss Precious Ikponmwen, said the killings have turned women in their 20s and 30s into widows.
“We are tired of the killings. Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s and 30s. Almost all Edo State households have been affected. It is difficult to train children as a single parent.
“Those fighting are our husbands and brothers.
“We want government at all levels and security agencies to help us stop these killings,” she appealed.
On her part, Miss Ojo Gloria Eki, who opined that youths are the hope and future of any nation, noted that it was disheartening to witness their lives cut short by violence.
Eki in a letter co-signed with
Precious Omoghan Ikpowonsa, posited that the intervention of governments, traditional institutions and security agencies can help put a stop to the incessant killings of youths in the state.
In the letter titled, ‘Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State’, the duo appealed to those in authority to use their positions to advocate for an immediate end to the senseless violence and killings.
“We are writing to you with a heavy heart regarding the recent tragic events unfolding in Edo State, specifically the senseless killings of youths that have brought sorrow and despair to our communities.
“As a concerned citizen, we humbly seek your wisdom and guidance in advocating for the restoration of peace and harmony in our beloved state.
“The youths are the hope and future of our nation, and it is disheartening to witness their lives being cut short by violence and conflict.
“As the revered custodian of our cultural heritage and the symbol of unity for the people of Benin, your voice holds great influence in fostering reconciliation and promoting dialogue among all members of our society.
“We appeal to you sir to use your esteemed position to advocate for an immediate end to the senseless violence plaguing our communities.
“By encouraging peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and understanding, we all can pave the way for healing and reconciliation among all parties involved.
“Your guidance and support in mediating conflicts, promoting tolerance, and advocating for justice will be instrumental in restoring peace and stability in Edo State. Let us stand together as a united community, bound by the values of peace, compassion, and respect for all individuals.
“I humbly request you, sir, to lend your voice and authority to the cause of peace and unity in Edo State. Your leadership and influence can make a significant difference in bringing about positive change and ensuring a brighter future for our youth”, they said in the letter.
DAILY POST gathered that over 50 persons have been killed since the beginning of the month in the renewed cult-related clashes in the state.
DAILY POST also recalls that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has given mandate to the security agencies to make the state safer by flushing out cultists and other criminal elements.