By Oscar Okhifo
The Benin Kingdom on Thursday staged a traditional security intervention aimed at confronting rising insecurity in Edo State, as it declared a spiritual offensive against kidnappers, ritual killers, cultists and other violent criminals operating within its domain.
The ceremony, held at the historic Kings Square in Benin City, brought together traditional priests, chiefs, palace functionaries and residents who gathered for sacred rites designed to symbolically cleanse the land and reinforce efforts to restore public safety.
The exercise followed a proclamation by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who designated July 2 for the rites as part of the kingdom’s cultural response to worsening insecurity across parts of the state.
For many residents, the event represented both a spiritual declaration and a cultural reaffirmation of the kingdom’s authority in addressing threats to communal peace.
During the rites, traditional authorities invoked ancestral powers and pronounced curses on individuals involved in kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.
Addressing participants, one of the traditional priests, who declined to give his name, said the kingdom was relying on spiritual authority to deter criminal behaviour.
“We are invoking the authority of our ancestors and the customs of Benin Kingdom to declare that anyone who kidnaps, sheds innocent blood, engages in ritual killings, cultism or any form of violent crime on this land will not know peace until they abandon their evil ways,” he said.
He added: “This land is sacred. We are asking for divine protection over our communities and declaring that Benin Kingdom must not become a refuge for kidnappers, murderers and other criminals.”
Another senior chief of the Benin traditional institution said the rites were not intended to replace conventional security operations but to complement them.
“Our responsibility is to preserve the peace, dignity and sanctity of the kingdom. Today’s rites are meant to reinforce our cultural values and complement the efforts of security agencies in combating crime,” the representative said.
Residents who witnessed the ceremony described it as a welcome intervention amid persistent insecurity in parts of Edo State.
One resident said:
“We have lost too many lives to kidnapping and violent crimes. Every lawful effort that can help restore peace is welcome. Our greatest desire is to return to a time when people could travel, farm and sleep in their homes without fear.”
Another resident added, “We don’t care whether the solution comes through the courts, the security agencies or our traditional institutions. What matters is that insecurity comes to an end and our communities become safe again.”
Edo State has in recent years grappled with recurring cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence and ritual killings, particularly along highways, farmlands and forest corridors, leaving many communities exposed to attacks and disrupting economic and social activities.
While security agencies have carried out operations targeting criminal groups, residents say the scale of the challenge requires a broader and more sustained response involving both state institutions and community-based structures.
Reflecting government efforts to address the crisis, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo recently proposed the establishment of a special court to fast-track the trial of suspects involved in kidnapping, cultism and ritual killings. He also stated that he would not hesitate to sign execution warrants for convicted offenders in line with the law.
Commenting on the situation, a Benin-based trader, Obiora Dominic, said traditional intervention alone would not be enough without stronger institutional support.
“I know much about security and I have been very involved here in Benin City. I can say that traditional interventions will surely strengthen community resolve and reinforce cultural values, but they should work alongside intelligence gathering, effective policing and a functional justice system if lasting security is to be achieved,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Thursday’s rites have been widely viewed by residents as a symbolic but significant step in the broader effort to confront insecurity in Edo State.
For many, the expectation remains focused on tangible outcomes—safer communities, restored confidence in public spaces, and an end to the cycle of violence that has affected daily life across the state.
Many residents expressed hope that combined efforts from traditional institutions, government authorities, the judiciary and security agencies will eventually help reverse the trend and restore lasting peace.