By IMELDA OSAYANDE

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has instituted a grassroots security network across the seven local government areas of Edo South Senatorial District.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, on Thursday, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Oba said the initiative was part of efforts to tackle banditry and other security threats.

According to the statement, Oba Ewuare held a strategic meeting with Okaighele (youth leaders), at his Palace in Benin.

He charged them to appoint five to 10-member advisory committees in their communities and develop strategies to complement government efforts in combating emerging security challenges.

The Oba said the initiative, anchored on the traditional neighbourhood watch system, was a follow-up to an earlier meeting with heads of traditional adherents, including native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses in his palace.

He urged them to deploy spiritual warfare to curb criminal activities in the state.

Oba Ewuare clarified that members of the community security committees would report security matters directly to the Coordinator, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, Okao N’Oreguae, who oversees Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Benin.

He added that reports were to be submitted periodically before being forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, the purpose is to promote peace among the communities.

“We do not want you to fight yourselves or kill people,” Oba Ewuare said.

He warned that “the new security arrangement does not give anyone or any group the right to misbehave, oppress residents, or sell communal land indiscriminately.”

The Oba, who declared that “Edo people are not scared of battles,” recalled how ancestors fought wars and conquered territories with their youths.

He said those ganging up against Edo people were doomed, adding that “killings and kidnappings have no place here.

“We do not curse, but we communicate with our ancestors.

“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 said.

He offered prayers to Almighty God and his royal ancestors for peace across Edo and Nigeria.

On his part, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, urged the youth leaders to discharge their assignments with a high sense of responsibility.

He tasked them with identifying courageous and trustworthy individuals who possess extensive knowledge of their local terrain.

“We won’t cede any portion of Edo land. We want our people to be safe,” Osamwonyi stated. (NAN)