Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stepped on the gas in the fight against crime, handing over 10 brand-new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating across the Edo Central Senatorial District.
The donation, announced in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojele, on Saturday in Benin, is aimed at tightening the security net and restoring calm across the district.
Okpebholo said the move underscored his administration’s zero tolerance for crime and criminality, stressing that peace and safety remain non-negotiable.
The handover ceremony, held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, brought together traditional rulers, top security officials, political figures and community stakeholders from across Esan land.
According to the governor, the intervention was deliberate and timely, designed to arm frontline operatives with the tools needed to respond swiftly to security threats as they arise.
“This is not just about handing over vehicles; it is about understanding what our security personnel face on the ground and responding directly.
“Security is the foundation of development, and we will not compromise the safety of our people,” Okpebholo said.
He charged security outfits to collaborate closely with local government chairmen to ensure that security strategies are effectively implemented at the grassroots.
“The names of Edo State Security Corps, hunters and anti-cultism members must be submitted for profiling and payroll enrolment to enable salary payments across all 18 local councils,” he said.
The governor disclosed that a committee had earlier trained 2,500 security corps personnel to reinforce the existing Edo State Security Corps across the state.
“With this number, we should have over 300 security personnel in each local government area,” he added.
Representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben and Esan South East used the forum to bare their teeth on the challenges confronting security agencies.
They pointed to logistics shortfalls, inadequate equipment, herdsmen-related threats, intelligence gaps, and poor mobility and communication facilities.
Director of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Mr Richard Balogun, revealed that salaries for operatives had now been approved, bringing relief after months of uncertainty.
Balogun applauded the state government’s renewed resolve to tackle crime head-on and improve the welfare of personnel working in high-risk conditions.
Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Maj.-Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), called for sustained logistical backing, modern intelligence tools and adequate operational funding.
He also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to keep a close watch on suspicious individuals and vehicles entering their domains.
The Onojie of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, lauded Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing the security strategy as “practical, inclusive and results-driven”.
He disclosed that Esan traditional rulers and diaspora leaders were finalising plans to set up an Esan Security Trust Fund.
“This is a collective responsibility. Our people must sleep with their eyes closed, knowing their safety is guaranteed,” Aidenojie said.
