Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed confidence that Edo State will become significantly safer in the coming week.
He said his administration had put in place new security strategies aimed at strengthening policing, improving emergency response and denying criminals safe haven across the state.
Speaking yesterday in Benin City during a meeting with Okaighele from the seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor said the new security architecture would enhance the protection of life and property through closer collaboration between communities and security agencies.
“In the next few weeks, Edo State will be safer than what it is today because we have put strategies on ground to police the state,” Okpebholo said. “We are determined to ensure that every life in Edo is protected.”
The governor disclosed that under the new security arrangement, any distress call would attract an immediate response, with between five and seven security vehicles expected to arrive at the scene within five minutes.
He added that motorcycles would also be deployed to security personnel to enable them to access difficult terrains and forests where criminal elements often operate.
Okpebholo urged community leaders, youths and residents to support the government’s efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
He said the partnership between Okaighele, vigilante groups, the police and other security agencies is critical to sustaining the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to stamp out criminality, the governor warned that Edo would no longer serve as a safe destination for criminals from other states.
“If you commit crime in Edo State, you will be caught. We have arrested criminals who came from Niger, Kogi, Bauchi and other states, and we have rescued our people,” he said.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the administration had demonstrated the political will to confront insecurity and appealed to Okaighele to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious movements and activities to security agencies without delay.
Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, and Commander of the 107 Air Force Base, Air Commodore Victor Eze, commended the governor’s security initiative, saying stronger collaboration with community leaders would further improve safety across the state.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Community and Traditional Matters, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, said the Oba of Benin was mobilising Okaighele to complement the government’s community security strategy.
