BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has warned individuals involved in cult-related activities against staging any celebrations or gatherings associated with July 7, while urging business owners across the state to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to strengthen security and support crime prevention efforts.
The warning was issued on Monday by the spokesman of the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultism, Noah Idemudia, while parading two suspects arrested in separate operations in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, and Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Muhammed Oakumhe and Omukoro Aghogho, were apprehended with two pump-action guns during coordinated operations carried out by a security team led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to Idemudia, the arrests followed actionable intelligence, adding that the government remains committed to sustaining its crackdown on criminal elements across the state.
He warned that security agencies would not tolerate any activity capable of disrupting public peace and urged anyone planning unlawful gatherings or celebrations linked to July 7 to abandon such plans.
“We are warning those involved in criminal activities in Edo State to stay away. If anyone is planning to engage in any unlawful activity, it is better to cancel it now. Anyone caught will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Idemudia also reminded business owners that the July 31 deadline for the installation of CCTV cameras at commercial premises remains in force.
He disclosed that enforcement would commence from August 1, explaining that the initiative is designed to improve surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent and investigate criminal activities.
“We advise all business owners to comply with this directive. The Governor has mandated that by August 1, every business premises in the state must have CCTV cameras installed. This will go a long way in helping security agencies combat crime and make Edo State safer for everyone,” he said.