Hundreds of traditional priests, priestesses and worshippers gathered in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday to invoke spiritual curses against kidnappers, cultists and other violent criminals, following a directive by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, as part of efforts to tackle worsening insecurity in the state.
Traditional religion practitioners from across Edo State converged in Benin City on Thursday to perform spiritual rites aimed at placing curses on kidnappers and other individuals involved in violent crimes. The gathering followed an order by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, amid growing concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity across the state.
The traditional assembly brought together priests, priestesses, native doctors and other custodians of Benin customs, who performed rituals believed to invoke ancestral sanctions against individuals responsible for kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The spiritual exercise is part of broader traditional efforts to complement ongoing security operations by the Edo State Government and law enforcement agencies in combating violent crime.
The ceremony comes amid intensified efforts by the Edo State Government to curb kidnapping and cultism.
In recent weeks, Governor Monday Okpebholo announced tougher measures against kidnappers, including plans for a special court to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects arrested for kidnapping and cult-related offences. Security agencies have also stepped up arrests and surveillance across the state.
The Oba of Benin has previously used traditional authority to confront societal problems, including human trafficking and criminal activities, with spiritual declarations aimed at deterring offenders.
Palace authorities said the gathering was intended to reinforce the kingdom’s resolve against insecurity and send a strong warning that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated within Edo communities.
The traditional leaders urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information while remaining law-abiding as efforts continue to restore peace across the state.
The mass gathering of traditional worshippers marks one of the most symbolic cultural responses to insecurity in recent years in Edo State. While security agencies continue enforcement operations, traditional institutions say they will also deploy ancestral and spiritual mechanisms to discourage kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.