Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the killing of a youth by gunmen near the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin City.
The victim was reportedly shot dead in broad daylight on Sunday in what the governor described as a brazen and cold-blooded attack.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor described the incident as an affront to human dignity and a threat to public safety.
“The brazen and cold-blooded killing on a day regarded as sacred by many is an affront to human dignity, a threat to public safety, and an attack on everything this administration stands for,” the statement read.
“It is completely unacceptable.”
Okpebholo extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased, whose life he said was violently cut short.
The governor assured residents that the matter would not be ignored and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.
According to the statement, the Edo State Police Command has already commenced investigations into the incident.
Security agencies were also said to be working to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
“They may run, but they cannot hide forever,” the statement added.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling cult-related violence across Edo State.
He said the government had continued to intensify security operations in communities prone to cult clashes, leading to the arrest and prosecution of suspected cultists.
The statement also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the state government and security agencies including the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.
The government said it had also engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations in efforts to combat cultism.
In addition, the administration said it supports rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for youths vulnerable to cult recruitment.
According to the governor, the latest killing serves as a reminder that more work remains to be done in the fight against violent crime.
The Edo State Government appealed to members of the public with useful information about the incident to contact security agencies
It assured residents that all information provided would be treated confidentially.
“Edo State will not be a sanctuary for criminals,” Okpebholo declared.
“Those who carry arms and terrorise innocent people will face the full consequences of the law.”