Insecurity: Gov Okpebholo vows to deal with criminals in Edo

… summons security meeting
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements and make the state inhabitable for their activities, adding that under his watch, criminals will not succeed in destabilising Edo.

Governor Okpebholo made the vow shortly after meeting behind closed doors with heads of security agencies in the state and other key stakeholders in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Council Area in the state on Tuesday.

At the meeting, prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies in the State, and other key stakeholders converged to brainstorm on how to address the peculiar security challenges in Edo North.

Okpebholo said the security stakeholders’ meeting had become necessary to ensure peace and security are maintained across the State, particularly in Edo North.

He noted that political, religious, and traditional leaders attended the meeting, where they all discussed the security challenges facing the people and came up with possible solutions.

Governor Okpebholo said Edo people should expect a better security situation in the State, as all the deliberations will be properly utilized.

“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders.

“The closed-door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful.

“We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he stated.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the former of the state and present Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Comrade Oshiomhole, commended Governor Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in Edo.

He appreciated him for the security meeting and assured Edo people that the Okpebholo-led administration will make the State safe for all to live and do business.

“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.

“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present.

” The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all,” he said.

Comrade Oshiomhole said Okpebholo has provided vehicles and motorbikes for the police and other security agencies.

“The Governor recognized that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.

“The Governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a Governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.

“The people have expressed their confidence in the Governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he added.

Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.

“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land.

“People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he stated.

A traditional ruler from Edo North, His Royal Highness (HRH), Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the security meeting has given stakeholders confidence, while traditional rulers have resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.

“Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.

“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all.”.

Personalities at the meeting include the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former deputy governors of Edo State, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu.

Others were the former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh; former Minister for State Budget, Clem Agba; traditional and religious leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders in the security sector.

It would be recalled that the Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday evening suspended indefinitely the Traditional Ruler of Uwano kingdom, Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo, Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, following incessant kidnappings in the locality.

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