Okpebholo Rallies Stakeholders’ Support to Address Worsening Insecurity in Edo North, Convokes High Powered Meeting of Leaders

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Eager to arrest the wave of kidnappings and killings which has made the Edo North senatorial district perhaps the most insecure and dreaded place to live in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has convoked a meeting of leaders of thought which included prominent political and religious leaders, as well as traditional rulers with heads of security agencies to brainstorm and map out strategies on how to restore normalcy.
The stakeholders’ meeting which was held Monday at Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area had in attendance prominent sons of the area like Senator Adams Oshiomhole representing the area at the National Assembly and, a former governor of the state; Revd. Peter Obadan, Mike Oghiadome, and Philp Shaibu, former deputy governors of the state; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; as well as the former Minister for State, Budget, Clement Agba;.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, Governor Okpebholo swore that under his watch, criminal elements would not succeed in destabilising Edo State, vowing to deal with them decisively and make the state inhabitable for their activities.
Governor Monday Okepbholo explained that the security stakeholders’ meeting became necessary to ensure that peace and security were maintained throughout the state, particularly in Edo North.
He noted that political, religious, and traditional leaders attended the meeting, where security challenges facing the people were discussed and possible solutions proffered.
Governor Okpebholo said Edo people should expect a better security situation in the state, as all the deliberations would be properly utilised.
According to him, “We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders. The closed-door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land”.
Also speaking, Senator Oshiomhole commended Governor Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in the state.
He appreciated him for the security meeting and assured Edo people that the administration would make the state safe for all to live and do business.
The former governor said, “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.
“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all”.
Further stating that Governor Okpebholo had provided vehicles and motor bikes for the police and other security agencies, Senator Oshiomhole posited that “The Governor recognised that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.
“The Governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a Governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the Governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe”.
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in the state.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he stated.
A traditional ruler from the area, His Royal Highness (HRH), Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the security meeting had given stakeholders confidence, while traditional rulers had resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.
The monarch said, “Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all.”