The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to extend the enforcement of its anti-cultism law to cover internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as part of efforts to curb rising criminal activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, revealed the move during a quarterly media briefing held on Tuesday in Benin City.
Afegbua said the decision followed growing concerns over crimes allegedly linked to internet fraud and cult-related activities across the state.
He referenced the recent killing of a 200-level part-time Political Science student of the University of Benin, identified simply as Alexander, describing the incident as allegedly connected to a dispute among suspected internet fraud syndicates.
According to him, the deceased was reportedly attacked by individuals believed to be his associates after disagreements over money allegedly kept in his account from fraudulent activities.
“They traced him to the university environment after he finished writing his examination and attacked him. It is unfortunate that young people now lose their lives over such criminal ventures,” Afegbua said.
The commissioner disclosed that some suspects had already been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that security agencies were continuing investigations to ensure those involved were brought to justice.
He stated that the state government remained committed to its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and other criminal activities, insisting that no form of violence or criminality would be tolerated under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Afegbua said the government decided to include internet fraud within the scope of the anti-cultism law because some criminal groups now allegedly use cybercrime as a cover to perpetrate violence and other unlawful acts.
“We are going to add Yahoo Yahoo activities to the anti-cultism law because some of these individuals now hide under that umbrella to wreak havoc,” he said.
He also urged youths in the state to channel their energy into productive ventures capable of contributing positively to society rather than engaging in crimes that could destroy their future.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue to strengthen security measures and intensify efforts aimed at tackling cultism, cybercrime and other forms of social vices across Edo State.
