A group of concerned women in Edo State took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday to protest the alarming rise in cult-related killings that have claimed over 50 lives in the past two months.
Dressed in black and holding placards, the protesters called on the Edo State government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and security agencies to intervene and put an end to the violence. They lamented the devastating impact of the killings on families, particularly women, many of whom have been widowed at a young age.
One of the protest leaders, Miss Ojo Gloria Eki, expressed her concerns in an open letter titled *“Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State.”* She described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing the loss of young lives and its implications for the future of the state and nation.
“I appeal to you to use your influence to advocate for an immediate end to the senseless violence,” she wrote. “Encouraging peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and justice will restore peace and stability in Edo State. Together, we can build a community founded on compassion, respect, and understanding.”
Another protester, Miss Precious Ikponmwen, highlighted the personal toll of the killings. She stated, “We’re tired of these killings; young women in their 20s and 30s are becoming widows. Many households in Edo State have been affected, and raising children as single parents is incredibly difficult.”
The protesters also appealed to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to amplify their voices and draw national attention to the crisis.
“This violence is tearing our families apart. Those fighting are our husbands and brothers. We want these killings to stop immediately,” Ikponmwen added.
The women urged authorities to take decisive steps to curb the violence and restore peace, emphasizing that the youth, who are the primary victims, represent the future of the state and the country.
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