Oba Ewuare II of Benin has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses, and other traditional religious practitioners to an emergency meeting at the Oba's Palace in Benin City on June 23, as concerns mount over worsening insecurity in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.
Meeting Called Under Direct Authority of the Monarch
The meeting was announced in a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), which said the gathering was convened under the direct authority of the revered monarch. The council urged all concerned individuals to treat the invitation as a matter of urgency.
According to the statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the council's secretary, Frank Irabor, the meeting is aimed at exploring how traditional institutions and indigenous religious practitioners can contribute to efforts to tackle the growing security challenges confronting Edo State.
Focus on Kidnapping, Cult Violence, and Armed Robbery
The palace said the discussion would focus on the role of traditional means and community-based approaches in supporting the fight against kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities that have become increasingly prevalent in the state.
The move comes at a time when residents of Edo have expressed growing concerns over cases of abduction and violent crimes, particularly along major highways and in rural communities.
Traditional Leaders to Work Alongside Government and Security Agencies
The planned gathering is also expected to examine how traditional religious leaders can work alongside government authorities, security agencies, and community leaders to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring peace and public safety.
In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council announced that youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele, have also been invited to a separate meeting at the Oba's Palace on June 24.
Broader Consultations to Mobilise Grassroots Stakeholders
The palace said the engagement forms part of broader consultations designed to mobilise grassroots stakeholders and reinforce community participation in tackling insecurity.
The intervention by the Oba comes amid intensified efforts by the Edo State Government to address rising criminal activities. Recently, Governor Monday Okpebholo vowed to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers and announced plans to establish a special court to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases in the state. The governor has also repeatedly warned criminal elements to leave Edo or face the full weight of the law.
Role of Traditional Structures in Modern Policing
The latest move is expected to generate discussions on the role traditional structures can play in complementing modern policing and intelligence gathering in the fight against crime.
