‘Edo People Are Not Scared of Battles’ — Oba Ewuare Launches Traditional Security Initiative to Combat Kidnappings, Banditry

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has unveiled a grassroots security initiative across Edo South Senatorial District, directing youth leaders to establish community-based advisory committees to strengthen local vigilance and complement government efforts against insecurity.

The monarch announced the initiative during a strategic meeting with youth leaders (Okaighele) at his palace in Benin City, describing it as part of broader efforts by the traditional institution to confront emerging security threats, including banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes.

Under the arrangement, youth leaders across communities in the seven local government areas of Edo South are expected to constitute advisory committees comprising between five and ten members to coordinate intelligence gathering and community security efforts.

Oba Ewuare explained that the initiative would operate through the traditional neighbourhood watch system, with security-related information to be channelled through designated coordinators for onward communication to the appropriate authorities.

According to the monarch, individuals selected for the committees would report security concerns directly to the coordinator, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, the Okao N’ Oreguae in charge of Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms, who would periodically brief relevant authorities.

The royal father stressed that the initiative was designed solely to safeguard communities and should not be used as a tool for oppression, intimidation or personal interests.

“We do not want you to fight yourselves or kill people. The purpose is to promote peace in our communities,” the Oba said.

Declaring that Edo people have a long history of defending their homeland, Oba Ewuare insisted that criminal elements would not be allowed to destabilise the state.

“Edo people are not scared of battles. Our ancestors fought wars, liberated our people and conquered territories in the past with your youths. Those ganging up against Edo people are doomed,” he said.

While cautioning against violence, the monarch warned kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements to abandon their activities, maintaining that Edo State must remain safe for residents, visitors and investors.

“We advise herdsmen, armed robbers and others to stop this evil. Edo State must be habitable for our children and people, including non-indigenes and investors, to dwell peacefully,” he added.

The latest directive comes barely 24 hours after the monarch convened traditional priests, priestesses and native doctors at the palace, where he ordered a week-long spiritual exercise against banditry and violent crimes.

During that meeting, Oba Ewuare directed traditional worshippers across Edo South to embark on spiritual warfare and lay curses on criminals and their collaborators as part of efforts to support government actions against insecurity.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting, the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, further explained the monarch's vision and urged youth leaders to approach the assignment with sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility.

He charged them to carefully select trustworthy individuals with deep knowledge of their communities and local terrain.

“Search for fearless men of integrity who have in-depth knowledge of their terrains as you embark on this assignment. We will not cede any portion of Edo land. We want our people to be safe,” Osamwonyi said.

The initiative marks the latest intervention by the Benin traditional institution amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, with the palace seeking to combine traditional structures, community participation and local intelligence to strengthen security at the grassroots level.