Edo State Bolsters Security with New Patrol Vehicles and Strategic Initiatives
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the state’s residents. This commitment was tangibly demonstrated through the recent presentation of ten brand-new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating within the Edo Central Senatorial District.
The handover ceremony, which took place in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, served as a focal point for dialogue and action concerning the region’s security landscape. The event drew a significant gathering of stakeholders, including revered traditional rulers from Esanland, key security personnel, influential political leaders, and community representatives.
This presentation is an integral part of the governor’s ongoing series of interactive security engagements. These engagements are strategically designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the operational challenges faced by security forces, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and to implement targeted solutions that effectively address the unique security needs of the district.
In a statement released shortly after the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo articulated a clear and resolute zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of crime and criminality. He emphasized that the provision of these vehicles was not merely a symbolic gesture but a critical, strategic move aimed at significantly enhancing internal security mechanisms across the state.
“This initiative extends beyond the simple handover of vehicles,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “It is about actively understanding the ground-level realities our security personnel are contending with and providing direct, tangible support. Security is the bedrock upon which all development is built, and we will not, under any circumstances, compromise the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
The governor also highlighted the crucial importance of fostering robust cooperation with local government chairmen. He further stressed the necessity of properly profiling and enlisting members of the Edo State Security Corps, alongside local hunters and anti-cultism groups, onto the official payroll. This measure is intended to ensure that these vital community security assets receive timely remuneration across all of Edo State’s 18 local government areas.
Governor Okpebholo revealed that his administration had proactively established a committee tasked with the training of 2,500 security corps personnel. These newly trained individuals are slated for integration with existing Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) members and will be strategically deployed throughout the state. “With this augmented force,” he projected, “we should aim to have at least over 300 dedicated security personnel serving in each local government area, significantly bolstering our presence and response capabilities.”
During an interactive session held as part of the engagements, representatives from various local government areas within Edo Central, including Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben, and Esan South East, voiced their concerns. These challenges, shared by the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit as well, encompassed critical issues such as logistical gaps, insufficient equipment, security challenges stemming from herdsmen activities, intelligence shortcomings, and deficiencies in mobility and communication tools.
Adding to the positive developments, the Director of Operations for the Edo State Security Corps, Richard Balogun, announced that salaries for security operatives have now received official approval. This announcement brings an end to a period of uncertainty for many personnel and was met with widespread relief and appreciation. Mr. Balogun commended the state government for its proactive approach in prioritizing the welfare of its security forces.
“This is a clear and powerful demonstration that the government genuinely values the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform,” Balogun commented. “An improvement in their welfare and the provision of adequate logistics will undoubtedly lead to a significant enhancement of our operational effectiveness.”
Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), the Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, urged the state government to maintain the momentum of these security initiatives. He advocated for sustained logistical support, the provision of advanced intelligence tools, and consistent, adequate operational funding to ensure the long-term success of these efforts.
General Esekhaigbe also issued a call to action for traditional rulers and community leaders, imploring them to intensify vigilance within their respective domains. He stressed the importance of actively profiling suspicious individuals and vehicles entering their areas, thereby acting as the community’s first line of defense. “Our communities must become the vanguard of our security,” he asserted. “By working in concert, we can ensure that criminals find no sanctuary in Edo Central.”
Speaking on behalf of the Enijie (traditional rulers) of Esanland, the Onojie of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, lauded Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style. He characterized the administration’s response to insecurity as practical, inclusive, and demonstrably results-driven.
The Onojie further revealed that traditional rulers and influential Esan leaders residing in the diaspora are in the final stages of establishing an Esan Security Trust Fund. This fund is intended to mobilize crucial financial and material support for ongoing security operations throughout Edo Central. “This is a collective responsibility that falls upon all of us,” the monarch declared. “Our people deserve to live without fear, to sleep soundly at night, secure in the knowledge that their safety is unequivocally guaranteed.”
