Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers across the state’s 18 local government areas as part of efforts to curb insecurity and criminal activities.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, stressing that royal fathers remain indispensable partners in the fight against crime because of their close ties with their communities.
According to him, traditional rulers possess first-hand knowledge of their domains, making them well-positioned to identify suspicious movements and support government efforts in tackling insecurity.
“There are so many security challenges, and the best people to help me fight insecurity are the traditional rulers. You know your communities because you know those who live there and those coming into the area,” Okpebholo said.
The governor noted that investigations into recent kidnapping incidents revealed that many crimes were aided by local collaborators who were familiar with the movements and financial status of residents.
“Our people know those who are wealthy and those who are not. They know the movement of people within the community. If we must stop insecurity in Edo State, we must work together to achieve this purpose,” he stated.
Okpebholo urged the monarchs not to shield or encourage criminal elements within their communities, insisting that youths must be guided away from criminal activities.
“Let nobody encourage crime. Our children should not be involved. They should understand that crime is dangerous. The President is not happy about the security situation in the country, and I am not happy as well,” he added.
The governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election, expressing confidence that Edo State would deliver overwhelming votes for the President.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Majesty Anslem Edenojie II, passed a vote of confidence in Governor Okpebholo, commending his developmental strides across the state.
The royal father assured the governor of the unwavering support and cooperation of traditional rulers in sustaining peace, strengthening security and advancing development across Edo State.
