By Philomina Brando
The Oba Ewuare II of Benin has summoned native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses to an emergency meeting following rising insecurity in Edo State and other parts of the country.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
According to the statement, the meeting is scheduled to hold at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace Benin City.
The palace said the gathering was convened on the instruction of Oba Ewuare II and should be treated as a matter of urgent importance.
It noted that the meeting would explore traditional approaches that could complement ongoing efforts by government and security agencies to address insecurity.
“The meeting is intended to examine indigenous solutions that can support the fight against rising insecurity,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Benin Traditional Council also disclosed plans to meet with youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the same venue and time.
The development underscores the growing involvement of traditional institutions in tackling security challenges, particularly amid increasing cases of kidnapping and cult-related violence in Edo State.