The President of the Esan Akhugbe Otiti social cultural group, Mr. Iyere Sunday has called on the Edo state Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika to urgently address cases of kidnappings in Esan land.
Iyere blamed the lingering security challenges in Ekpoma and parts of Edo Central Senatorial District on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, insisting that the Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has demonstrated clear commitment to tackling insecurity.
He added that the security agencies particularly,the CP Agbonika must step up his game because massive investments had been made to support security operations across the state, particularly in Edo Central.
According to him, we have it on records because I was physically present when the Governor in November last year, donated 10 brand-new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, Irrua Area Command, where he warned that the vehicles must strictly be used to strengthen patrols and rapid response within the senatorial district.
This donation was in addition to the earlier provision of 100 Hilux patrol vehicles to security agencies across Edo State in the early days of the administration.
“Beyond the vehicles, over 400 motorbikes were also donated to security agencies to enhance mobility, especially in hard-to-reach areas. With all these resources, security is supposed to improve significantly. So why are we blaming the governor for everything? Did the security agencies in Edo Central not also receive the intervention?” he queried
He further pointed out that the state government recently launched decisive security actions through the Edo State Special Security Squad, code-named Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, which carried out raids in Uromi, leading to the demolition of houses linked to cultism and kidnapping.
He said, “The government has shown seriousness. If houses linked to cult activities and kidnapping can be identified and demolished, how can anyone say the government is not doing anything. Rather,we should be asking the CP where are these investments.
Iyere also highlighted the recruitment and training of over 2,500 local vigilante operatives by the state government, many of whom were absorbed into the Edo State Security Corps.
He stressed that Edo Central benefitted substantially from the initiative, describing it as one of the largest grassroots security interventions in the state’s history within such a short time of an administration in office.
To further underscore his point, the Esan group leader referenced a recent incident in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, where nine kidnapped victims were rescued by local vigilante operatives.
“These are vigilantees who received similar training across the state. If they can rescue kidnapped victims in Jattu, it means the strategy works. The question now is: are the conventional security agencies doing enough with the resources and support available to them?” he queried.
Iyere argued that while the government must continue to support security agencies, the agencies themselves must be held accountable for operational lapses.
“Why are people not asking the police commissioner and other security agencies questions? Government provides vehicles, motorcycles, trained manpower and logistics, but implementation lies with the security agencies. We must be honest enough to say everyone has a role to play,” he asked.
He called on communities to also support security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
“I think we should be ready to do our part, just as the government is doing its part. Blaming the governor alone will not solve the problem. Accountability, cooperation and sincerity from all stakeholders are what we need to secure Esan land and Edo State at large,” Iyere concluded.
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