Adekunbi Ero
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has continued to receive commendations for his proactiveness in ensuring the rescue of one Mrs. Precious Ofure who was abducted in broad daylight in a brazen commando-like operation at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City, the state capital, with the senator representing Edo Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, describing the rescue of the victim and one of the suspects involved in the operation alongsie other kidnappers, as a quit notice to criminal elements in the state.
Senator Ikpea, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, in a statement issued at his Ewatto country home in Esan South-East Local Government Area and made available to journalists, said, the governor’s action “is a clear signal to criminal elements around the state that nowhere is safe for them, and a huge confidence booster for the citizens of the state that they are safe.
Commending Governor Okpebholo for Wednesday’s busting of some kidnap syndicates operating in parts of the state, Ikpea supported his proposal for the establishment of a special court to ensure speedy trial of kidnappers and cultists so as to bring them to book expeditiously.
Recall that Governor Okpebholo had on Thursday witnessed the parade by the Edo State Police Command of suspected kidnappers, including one of those that participated in the Vegetable Market incident, where the governor said he would facilitate the setting up a special court that would determine in two weeks, the trial of suspected kidnappers and cultists.
The governor also vowed that if convicted, he would not hesitate to sign their death warrants and ensure their public execution at the Ring Road roundabout, the city centre.
Okpebholo, had, in appreciation of the dexterity displayed by the police in arresting especially, the kidnappers involved in the Vegetable Market incident, announced a financial reward of N10 million to officers and men involved in the rescue operations.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ikpea commended the support Governor Okpebholo gives to security agencies for optimally checking insecurity in the state, and to the security agencies to ensure a safe state.
According to Ikpea, “Governor Okpebholo’s prompt directive to the Edo police to fish out the perpetrators of the Vegetable Market kidnap incident immediately after the Sunday incident in Benin City, the response of the police and other security agencies that led to the rescue of the kidnapped woman, and the arrest of a member of the gang, is highly commendable.”
He said, “As the senator representing Edo Central, I reaffirm my support and determination to collaborate with the state government in ensuring that Edo Central is safe.
“I am also committed to working with my fellow senators in the other senatorial districts to collaborate with the state government to ensure security in all parts of the state.”
The senator reiterated his earlier call on the indigenes and residents of Edo State to take the issue of security as part of their civic responsibilities, stressing that “when everyone is involved in the business of security, all the bad elements in the state will either repent or relocate as they would have realised that Edo State is no safe haven to criminals.”
Also reacting to the rescue operation, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South senatorial district, commended the Edo State Police Command for the swift rescue of the Mrs. Ofure.
Imasuen described the prompt intervention by the police as a testament to the Command’s renewed commitment to tackling insecurity and protecting residents across the State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Moshood Karim, Imasuen praised the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika and officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage and rapid response, which, he noted, led to the victim’s rescue shortly after the incident.
According to the senator, the successful operation demonstrated that security agencies could effectively combat criminal activities when intelligence gathering and timely action are prioritised.
“The immediate rescue of the abducted woman is commendable and reassuring. It sends a strong message that criminal elements will find no safe haven in Edo State,” he said.
The lawmaker urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid efforts to prevent crime and apprehend offenders.
He further reaffirmed his support for measures aimed at strengthening security architecture in Edo State, stressing that the safety of citizens must remain a top priority.
Senator Imasuen also encouraged the police to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, noting that public confidence in law enforcement grows when swift results are achieved.
Speaking in the same vein, Orhionmwon local government council Chairman, Thompson Osagie commended Governor Okpebholo, for his decisive leadership that led to the successful rescue of the victim.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Dennis Ugbudian, Osagie described the successful rescue operation as a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across Edo State, stressing that his prompt response to the incident further demonstrated his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity and ensure the safety of all residents.
According to the council boss, the rescue of the victim and the apprehension of the suspected kidnappers have strengthened public confidence in the government’s security strategy and sent a strong message that criminality will not be tolerated in Edo State.
“The swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible underscore Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of Edo people. His decisive action reflects responsive leadership and a clear determination to rid our communities of criminal elements. This achievement has reassured residents that security remains a top priority of his administration,” Osagie stated.
The Chairman also commended the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to duty, noting that their coordinated efforts were instrumental in achieving the successful outcome.
Urging residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain peace across the state, the chairman emphasised that security remained a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of government, security agencies, and citizens.
He reaffirmed his administration’s support for Governor Okpebholo’s security initiatives, the Orhionmwon Council Chairman expressed confidence that the sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies would continue to yield positive results in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He added that the successful rescue operation serves as a clear warning to criminals that Edo State remains hostile to all forms of crime and that those who threaten the peace and security of the people will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
Osagie’s Oredo local government counterpart, Gabriel Iduseri, who also applauded Governor’s Okpebholo’s swift intervention, said in a statement on Friday, that his proactive security measures contributed significantly to the interception of the kidnappers and subsequent rescue efforts.
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