Edo CSOs, DSS Launch Protest Against Social Vices, Urges Citizens To Expose Kidnappers, Cultists

 Edo CSOs, DSS Launch  Protest Against Social Vices, Urges Citizens To Expose Kidnappers, Cultists 

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin

The Coalition of civil society organisations in collaboration with DSS in Edo state have embarked on one day peaceful sensitization protest against all form of social vices, such kidnapping, cultism, armed robbers, terrorism and other criminal elements.

The protesters who converged in Museum premises at Ring road, carried written inscription on their flyers," Edo is united against terrorism and other social vices, Say 'No' to Kidnapping," marched through Edo State House of Assembly, went through Sapele road, to NBA axis, down to DSS office to register their grievances.

Speaking, President Coalition of Civil Society, Comrade Solomon Idiogbe said the reason for the protest is put an end to the issue of insecurity in Edo state. He said to curb security in the state everyone must work together to address the menace.

Idiogbe said,"We believe the time has come for everyone to join forces with the security agencies and speak out.

"We want to remind the public that when you see something, you should say something. Landlords must also be vigilant about the kind of tenants they accommodate.

"Everyone has a role to play in supporting the security agencies to combat terrorism and other forms of criminality across the state.

"The security agencies are not spirits. 

"They rely on credible information and the cooperation of the people to carry out their duties effectively.

"This conscientization rally is aimed at encouraging the public to work closely with the security agencies and the government to tackle the hydra-headed menace of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and cultism. 

"These crimes cannot be curbed by the security agencies alone. Security is everyone's responsibility,"

In addition, the President Conference of Non Governmental Organisations, Comrade (Dr.) Bartholomew Okuodo, said they are out with the peaceful protest to show solidarity with Edo state government.

Comrade Okuodo said they in the protest to working against the high rate of kidnapping and cultism that is prevailing in Edo state, that it is high time to put an end to it. 

" Any kidnapping,  cultism and other social vices taking place in the state is not the task of the government alone, it is not the task of the security agencies alone. Is a collective task of everybody, that is why we are here that is why we are saying that whatever action the state government is taking we are in support of it," Okodu added.

Commenting at the DSS office, one of the partakers, Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, President Indomitable Organisation, said the fight against insecurity should not be left to the government and security agencies alone, but must be embraced as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

Oniovokukor said the sensitization and awareness campaign was designed to inform residents to the important role they play in fighting kidnapping, cultism, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism, and other security threats through vigilance and the timely sharing of credible information with relevant authorities.

"We are saying no to terrorism in all its forms. When we talk about terrorism, we are referring to cultism, kidnapping and every other social vice that threatens the peace and security of our communities," Oniovokukor stressed.

He said criminals are not invisible but often operate within communities.

"Kidnappers, terrorists and bandits are not ghosts. They are people who either live among us or move around our communities. When we notice strange behaviour, unusual movements or suspicious activities, we must report them to the appropriate security agencies.

"Our security agencies need intelligence to do their work effectively, and that intelligence comes from citizens. If you see something, say something. When you do, the government and security agencies can act."

Dr. Oniovokukor asserted that the campaign was designed to encourage families and community members to become more vigilant and take ownership of the nation's security.

"Fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters all have a role to play. Every Nigerian must stand up and contribute to making our communities safer," he said.

Stating the essence of organizing the rally, Oniovokukor said the growing wave of insecurity and emerging trends such as self-kidnapping and the spread of false information made it necessary to raise public awareness.

"Enough is enough. We are witnessing too many disturbing developments, including cases of self-kidnapping and misinformation. 

"We felt it was important to come out and remind Nigerians that those committing these crimes are not strangers, they are people we know, our friends, relatives, brothers and sisters.

"We are calling on everyone to keep their hands off kidnapping, cultism and every other form of social vice. Together, we can build a safer Nigeria", he said.

Prince Isreal Orekha, said they are embarking on the protest to make Edo safe by reporting any incident of unwanted persons in their communities that they are not aware of.

Orekha, disclosed that, Edo need to be safe for every body to ensure there is a better society.

However, the protesters also stop at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters, waiting for the commissioner of police to address them, but their hope were disappointed when the CP refused to address them.

Expressing displeasure about the non charlant attitude of the CP, Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Curtis Ogbebor, lampooned on the commissioner of police, Monday Agbonika for keeping them waiting for an hour and refused to address them.

They averred that, the mandate of the police is supposed to be respect for human rights and fundamental freedom.