Smoke Out Criminals from their Hideouts, Okpebholo Orders Security Agencies

As unabating cult-related killings cause fear and apprehension in Edo State, the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has again galvanised security agencies in the state to rise to the occasion and make the state unsafe for criminal elements.

This charge came barely five days after the governor gave a marching order to the commissioner of police and other security agencies to arrest the situation in 48 hours.

Recall that Governor Okpebholo had on Thursday November 14 handed down the ultimatum to security operatives to halt violent cult clashes in the state. The killings did not however abate as no fewer than five persons had been killed since then.

Renewing the charge on Monday night when he addressed journalists at the end of an inaugural security council meeting at Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo directed all heads of the various security agencies in the state to synergise and put an end to the killings, especially in Benin City, the state capital.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration placed priority on security and is doing everything to ensure that the state was safe for every resident.

Hinting that the issue of cultism dominated Tuesday’s security discussion, Senator Okpebholo asserted that his administration would not fold its arms while cult-related killings continued in the state.

According to Governor Okpebholo, “During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The issue of cultism dominated the discussion. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration.

“The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo State. We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this. We have ordered security agencies to collaborate and ensure that Edo is safe for all, but not safe for criminals.

“We charged them to smoke criminals out of the state wherever they are hiding and ensure that the state is safe for all”.

Responding, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, said areas of concern and the efforts being made were discussed by the various security agencies at the meeting.

Ozigi noted that the Governor had assured them of the support of his administration in ensuring that Edo was safe for all.

The police commissioner said: “We just finished the first security council meeting with the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo. We have discussed areas of concern and our efforts so far.

“The Governor has assured us that he will give us the needed support and ensure that Edo State is a place for all to live and do business peacefully.”