The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, has ordered vigilante groups in the area to step up security operations, including daily patrols of bushes and forests, ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The directive was issued during an emergency security meeting with vigilante leaders and coordinators to review security concerns and strengthen measures to protect residents during the festive period.
Ekpeson, who also chairs the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), urged security operatives to pay particular attention to remote areas and identified flashpoints where criminal elements could seek refuge.
In a statement released on Monday, November 9, 2026, by Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye, the chairman’s Media Aide on Politics and Strategic Development, the council boss directed vigilante teams to carry out daily surveillance and thoroughly search bushes and forests across the local government area.
He warned that his administration would not condone kidnapping, killings, cult-related activities, violence or any form of criminality in any community.
The chairman also called for improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation among vigilante teams, stressing the need for effective security coverage across all communities throughout the festive season.
Among those present at the meeting were the Vice Chairman, Comrade Charles Aloaye Dagana; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Samuel Oshiole Enaboakpe; and Chief Adolphus Oshole Osimi, General Officer Commanding of the Agenebode Zonal Vigilante Command, responsible for security operations across villages in the Weppa-Wanno axis.
Other vigilante coordinators also attended the meeting.
Ekpeson reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging security personnel to remain alert, proactive and quick to respond to distress calls.
He further warned vigilante leaders against allowing the directives to remain mere instructions, insisting that they must translate them into effective action to prevent criminal activities across the local government area.
The emergency meeting forms part of the council’s efforts to strengthen its security network and ensure residents enjoy peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations.
