Benin Monarch Ewuare II Calls for Spiritual Warfare to Combat Banditry in Edo

Oba of Benin, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, instructed traditionalists across the Edo South Senatorial District to undertake a week‑long spiritual campaign aimed at curbing banditry and other violent crimes. In a meeting with native doctors, priests and priestesses at his palace, he announced that curses would be pronounced on perpetrators and their collaborators, with the climax scheduled for 6 a.m. on 2 July at the palace.

The directive is presented as a complement to the Edo State Government’s plan to establish special courts to fast‑track trials for armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual practices and related offenses. The Oba said the initiative comes from God and his royal ancestors, urging traditional institutions to join government efforts against the rising insecurity in Nigeria.