In a decisive move to tighten security and restore public confidence across Edo Central Senatorial District, Governor Monday Okpebholo has deployed ten brand new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating in the area, alongside approving improved welfare packages for operatives.
The vehicles were handed over during a high-level security engagement in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, attended by traditional rulers from across Esanland, security commanders, political leaders and community stakeholders. The forum formed part of the governor’s ongoing consultations aimed at identifying operational gaps and deploying practical solutions to security challenges at the grassroots.
Governor Okpebholo said the intervention was a strategic response to realities on the ground, not a ceremonial gesture. According to him, effective security remains the cornerstone of development and social stability.
“This is not just about handing over vehicles. It is about listening to our security personnel, understanding their challenges and responding decisively. We will not compromise the safety of Edo people,” the governor said.
He stressed that for the new welfare framework to be implemented, security formations including the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), hunters and anti-cultism groups must collaborate with local government chairmen. Operatives’ names, he said, must be submitted for profiling and formal enlistment into the state payroll to ensure accountability and regular salary payments across all 18 local government areas.
The governor disclosed that his administration had earlier constituted a committee that trained 2,500 security corps personnel, who are to be integrated with existing ESSC operatives and deployed statewide.
“With this, we are strengthening our manpower base. Each local government area should have well over 3,000 security personnel working in coordination,” he added.
During the interactive session, representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Esan South East, Igueben, the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit outlined pressing concerns affecting security operations. These included logistics shortfalls, limited equipment, herdsmen-related threats, intelligence gaps, and inadequate mobility and communication infrastructure.
Director of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Mr. Richard Balogun, announced that the state government has approved salaries for security operatives, bringing relief to personnel who have worked for months under difficult and risky conditions.
“This sends a strong message that the government values the sacrifices of its security operatives. Improved welfare and logistics will directly translate to better performance on the field,” Balogun said.
Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), urged the government to sustain the current momentum through continuous funding, intelligence support and operational logistics. He also charged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify local vigilance by profiling suspicious individuals and monitoring vehicles entering their communities.
“Our communities must serve as the first line of defence. With collective action, criminals will find no hiding place in Edo Central,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in Esanland, the Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, commended Governor Okpebholo’s hands-on and inclusive approach to tackling insecurity, describing it as “practical and results-driven.”
The monarch disclosed that traditional rulers and Esan leaders in the diaspora are concluding plans to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund to mobilise financial and material support for security operations in the district.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our people deserve to sleep with their eyes closed, confident that their lives and property are protected,” he said.
