Edo Must Be Safe For All, But Criminals
-Gov. Okpebholo
....as he declares war on cultism in Edo State
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
Going by the incessant and questionable criminal activities and killings that has for sometime now, been putting Edo state in the news, for bad reasons, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday night, ordered heads of various security agencies in the State to make the Heartbeat unsafe for criminal elements in the state.
According to a Press release dated 19/11/2024, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the Governor gave the charge while briefing newsmen at the end of an inaugural security meeting, held behind closed doors in Government House, Benin City, Edo State.
The press release, further reads; "Governor Okpebholo said his administration places priority on security, and also revealed that his government is doing everything to ensure that the State is safe for every resident.
"He noted that the issue of cultism dominated the security discussion, and his administration will not fold its arms, while cult-related killings go on in the State.
"He urged security agencies to collaborate and ensure that they put a stop to the killings in the State, especially in Benin City".
Governor Monday Okpebholo who said; "During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The issue of cultism dominated the discussion. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration", also added that, the issue of cultism will not be acceptable in Edo State. Saying; "we do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this. We have ordered security agencies to collaborate and ensure that Edo is safe for all, but not safe for criminals.
We charged them to smoke criminals out of the State wherever they are hiding and ensure that the State is safe for all,” Governor Okpebholo told newsmen.
According to the Press statement, "Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, while reacting, said various security agencies during the security council meeting, discussed areas of concerns and the efforts made so far.
He noted that the Governor has assured them of the support of his administration in ensuring that Edo is safe for all.
"We just finished the first security council meeting with the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo. We have discussed areas of concerns and our efforts so far.
“The Governor has assured us that he will give us the needed support and ensured that Edo State is a place for all to live and do business peacefully.”