Edo women protest against cult killings, lament loss of husbands, scarcity of men

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, hundreds of young women took to the streets of Benin City, Edo State, to protest the rising tide of cult-related killings that have rocked the state in recent months. The women, aged between 20 and 35, expressed frustration over the widespread violence, which they say is not only turning them into widows but also making it increasingly difficult for young women to find husbands.

Clad in black and holding placards, the protesters marched through key areas, including the Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. They called on the state government, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies to take immediate action to end the violence that has claimed the lives of many young men.

One of the protesters, Miss Precious Ikponmwen, shared her heartbreak, saying that the violence had left many young women widowed. “We are tired of the killings. Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s and 30s. Almost every household in Edo State has been affected. It is difficult to raise children as a single parent,” she said, adding that many of the victims are husbands and brothers of the women protesting.

The protesters argued that the ongoing cult violence is severely disrupting the social fabric of Edo State, especially as it leads to a significant shortage of eligible men for marriage. “The incessant killing of young men is making it hard for girls to find husbands. There is a growing scarcity of men in the society, and we need this to stop,” one protester added.

Miss Ojo Gloria Eki, another participant in the protest, emphasized that the youth are the future of the nation, and it is painful to see their lives cut short by violence. “We are losing our brothers, our husbands, and our future,” she said. Along with Miss Precious Omoghan Ikpowonsa, Eki co-signed a letter titled Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State, urging government leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies to work together to put an end to the killings.

In the letter, the women appealed for urgent intervention to restore peace and stability to Edo State. “The youths are the hope and future of our nation, and it is heartbreaking to see their lives destroyed by senseless violence. We call on those in authority to use their positions to stop the killings and bring peace to our communities,” the letter read.

The women also called on the cultural leaders and the revered custodians of the state’s traditions to lend their voices in promoting peace. “Your voice holds great influence in bringing about reconciliation and dialogue. Let us stand together as a united community and work towards healing,” the letter continued.

The protests come amidst a wave of violence that has seen more than 50 people killed since the beginning of the month due to renewed cult-related clashes in the state. The killings, according to local reports, have exacerbated fear and insecurity in many communities, with young men being the primary targets.

In response to the crisis, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has mandated security agencies to step up their efforts to combat cultism and flush out criminal elements from the state. However, the women in the protest are calling for a more immediate and coordinated response to halt the bloodshed.

The protesters concluded their demonstration with a call for unity, peace, and a collective effort to stop the cycle of violence that has devastated many families in the region.