Three soldiers stationed at Okomu Oil Palm Plc in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State were shot and injured by gunmen, according to the Edo State Government. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, disclosed this information during a visit to the injured soldiers.
The attack occurred last Friday, leaving one soldier in critical condition and the other two badly injured. Nehikhare assured that efforts are underway to eliminate criminal elements operating under the guise of cult groups and Okaigheles. The state government is determined to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Nehikhare also announced that the state government has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured soldiers, who are currently receiving treatment at the Military Base Hospital in Benin.
A task force led by the Director of the State Security Service (DSS) has been established to combat cult groups in the state. “In Edo State, we have a serious issue with cultism and the activities of Okaigheles (Youth leaders) in Benin and across the Edo South Senatorial District,” Nehikhare said. Data presented to the State Security Council shows that these groups pose a significant threat to security, prompting their ban and the creation of a task force to neutralize their activities.
Governor Godwin Obaseki condemned the attack on military personnel and emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents to those in the Odi community in Bayelsa State and recent events in Delta. He noted that despite the ban on Okaigheles, some individuals have defied government orders, leading to the attack on soldiers in the Okomu forest.