Okpebholo Sets 5-Minute Security Response Target for Edo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to strengthen the state’s security architecture to enable security agencies respond to threats anywhere in the state within five minutes.

In a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Ebojele Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he gave the assurance on Sunday during a service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City, assuring residents that his administration would intensify efforts to make Edo safer within the next one month.

The governor said dedicated emergency telephone numbers would soon be released to the public, urging residents and persons in distress to utilise the channels for immediate security assistance.

“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next one month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state,” he said.

According to him, the administration’s objective is to leave Edo safer than it met it, particularly through sustained efforts to tackle kidnapping, robbery and other forms of criminality.

Okpebholo also thanked the church for its prayers and support for his administration, noting that he was pleased to be a member of Winners Chapel.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where residents could live peacefully and conduct their businesses without fear.

The pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his developmental agenda and efforts to transform the state.

Ebiye also expressed appreciation to Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution to their members.

“We appreciate your transformation, development and growth experience across all sectors in the state. I pray for grace to be with you. Thank you for all you are doing for Edo people,” he said.

The governor and his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, also along Sapele Road, where the General Overseer, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would be peaceful and Nigeria would remain united.

Osazuwa urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as prophecies of doom concerning the country, stressing that elections would come and go without disrupting Nigeria’s continuity.

He also called on Christians to acquire relevant skills and engage in productive economic activities, while urging government at all levels to prioritise human capital development.

The cleric cited scholarships he benefited from during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Bendel State Governor, Chief Ambrose Alli, as examples of how investment in education could transform lives.

Speaking further, Governor Okpebholo disclosed that the procurement process for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, including what he described as “mechanics and peanut roads,” was nearing completion.

He said construction work would commence soon, with contractors expected to continue working during the rainy season to accelerate the completion of projects.

The governor also said his administration was recording progress in the fight against insecurity, while urging residents to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He linked the removal of fuel subsidy to increased investment in road infrastructure across the country.