The Akoko-Edo Local Government Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, has affirmed that the continuous security interventions by the Edo State Government under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo have significantly contributed to the safety of lives and properties, as well as sustainable development in the Local Government Area (LGA).
The Council Chairman made the assertion during a peace and security meeting which held at the Council Secretariat in Igarra. He noted that the Community has enjoyed relative peace due to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including security agencies, youths, and other unconventional security apparatus.
“We have maintained relative peace in our LGA due to prompt and effective information dissemination. There were no security breaches before, during, or after the Easter celebrations. This underscores the need to commend the leadership of our amiable Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for his capacity and practical governance aimed at alleviating the plight of the people,” the Council Chairman stated.
Rt. Hon. Oshionogue clarified that his administration does not oppose the presence of non-indigenes in the area, but emphasized the importance of cohabiting peacefully without criminal tendencies to promote inclusivity and sustainable development.
The Council Chairman stressed the importance of synergy for effective policing and praised recent interventions by the State Government through the Edo State Commissioner of Police, including overhead surveillance and bush combing operations in the northern axis of the State to eliminate criminal elements.
Representing the security agencies, the Officer-in-Charge of the Army, O. G. Achusa, identified black spots in Igarra and its environs along with their coordinates. He lamented the poor response from sister security agencies during emergencies, but commended the Council Chairman for refurbishing faulty Hilux patrol vans to enhance security operations. He called for additional logistics to further improve service delivery.
The Second-in-Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Jonathan Jacob, reported intercepting two trailer loads of cannabis from Saboginda-Ora which was being transported to Abuja, and urged prompt reporting of suspicious activities to curb crime.
Responding to the call for more logistics, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Sonnie Unuigbokhai, assured that despite limited funds, the Council is doing its best to support stakeholders. He reiterated the Council’s commitment to do more within its available resources.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a refurbished Hilux patrol van by the Oshionogue-led administration to the Area Commander’s Patrol Team.
Present at the Security Meeting were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Fatimbi Ayodele Azamata; the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Nicholas Akosile Imashimi; the Secretary to Council, Hon. Topa John Okomayin; the Chief Security Officer to the Local Government, Mr. Linus Ajaiye; the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Ebenezer Oladele; security chiefs; traditional leaders; and other stakeholders.
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