Three troopers sustained accidents when suspected criminals in Okomu, Ijaw Neighborhood, in Ovia South West Native Authorities Space had been attacked on Friday.
The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed this on Sunday when he led journalists to the navy hospital in Benin the place the troopers had been recuperating.
Latest assaults within the space have led to the dying of three employees of Okomu Oil Palm Firm PLC, one resident, and the burning down of homes and several other automobiles.
A bunch that recognized itself as Ijaw Freedom Fighters claimed the assault and mentioned the Ijaw are being marginalized within the state.
The state reacted swiftly and despatched safety operatives, together with males of the police and troopers to repel and halt additional assaults on the world.
Nevertheless, after Friday’s assault which left three troopers wounded, Nehikhare mentioned the state authorities would flush out felony parts within the state together with cultists and Okaighele (youth leaders).
Whereas promising that the federal government would foot the payments of the wounded navy officers, Nehikhare, mentioned that the assault on troopers by civilians within the Okomu group was not unconnected with the nefarious actions of cultists.
Nehikhare, who mentioned Governor Godwin Obaseki frowned on the assault on navy personnel, mentioned a activity power led by the Director of the State Safety had been arrange by the federal government to fight cult teams within the state.
He mentioned, “It isn’t proper in any manner for the navy to be attacked in any group in Edo State. A couple of weeks in the past, we had been all conscious of what occurred in our neighboring Delta State, the place over 20 troopers had been killed by some youths.
“In Edo State, now we have a nasty case of cultism and what we additionally name Okaigheles in Benin and throughout Edo South Senatorial District. The info accessible to us supplied to the State Safety Council have mentioned that these are the folks which might be largely liable for felony actions and threats to the safety within the state.
“That’s the reason this group of individuals was banned, and a activity power was set as much as look into their actions to neutralize no matter evil plans they’ve. Because the governor positioned a ban on the Okaigheles (youth leaders), we found that some folks additionally went forward and mentioned they need to ignore the federal government ban.
“There’s just one authorities at a time, and that emboldened these folks to enter Okomu forest in our group to assault our troopers, defending our property. One of many troopers is on the mattress in essential situation. Three officers, an officer, and two troopers had been badly injured.”
He continued, “The gunboat they (the troopers) had been in was destroyed and riddled with bullets. This could not occur in Edo State. We don’t need a state of affairs the place we can be shedding troopers to reckless assaults from cult teams.
“We don’t need what occurred in Odi Neighborhood in Bayelsa State to occur right here in Edo or a repeat of what occurred lately in Delta. It’s a severe matter, and all Edo folks, no matter political affiliations, should assist the federal government on this struggle towards cultism and killings occurring. Since January until date, now we have misplaced 150 folks in cult-related violence,” Nehikhare said.