In a bold move to tackle rising insecurity, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Fred Itua, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, in a statement, said the meeting held yesterday was with a clear message: criminal elements will find no haven in the state.
The closed-door meeting brought together a formidable assembly of political, religious, and traditional leaders, alongside heads of security agencies and other key stakeholders, all focused on addressing the peculiar security concerns of Edo North.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Okpebholo declared a zero-tolerance stance on criminality, vowing to make Edo State uninhabitable for those attempting to destabilise it.
“Under my watch, Edo will not be a playground for criminal elements. We are determined to deal with them decisively and restore peace and safety across the state,” he said.
Notable figures in attendance included Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; former Governor and serving Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Deputy Governors, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu; former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh; and former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba.
Governor Okpebholo noted that the meeting was necessitated by the need to craft practical solutions to the security issues affecting communities in Edo North.
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“All relevant stakeholders – political, traditional, and religious leaders – were present. Our discussions were productive, and I am confident the outcome will lead to tangible improvements in our security landscape,” he added.
However, Oshiomhole praised Okpebholo’s hands-on approach, describing the meeting as unprecedented in its scope and inclusiveness.
“This is the first time a sitting governor is meeting directly with community leaders like this to deliberate on security. He listened to us, and we trust his commitment to making Edo safe for all,” Oshiomhole said.
He also disclosed that the governor had already provided vehicles and motorcycles to support the operations of security agencies, while also acknowledging the crucial role of local communities in intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, commended the initiative, urging stakeholders to continue working collaboratively to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Echoing this sentiment, His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, a traditional ruler from Edo North, described the gathering as a “landmark event,” noting that the governor’s personal presence had renewed stakeholder confidence and reinforced the commitment of traditional institutions to partner with security agencies.
“This is not just talk; it is action. The Governor’s personal engagement has sent a strong message that security is a priority, and we, the traditional rulers, will do our part to ensure peace reigns,” he affirmed.
Okpebholo assured citizens that the deliberations from the meeting would be fully implemented, urging the people of Edo to expect visible improvements in security in the coming weeks.
