Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has urged residents to support the government and security agencies in the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other crimes.
Okpebholo made the call in Benin on Monday during a programme organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to mark the International Day of Peace. The event focused on the theme, “Invest in Peace, for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Security and Public Safety, Festus Ebea, said residents must play an active role in tackling insecurity. He urged citizens not to become part of the problem but to work with the government to find solutions.
Okpebholo said his administration had taken steps to tackle cultism in Edo. He also said the police and other security agencies now conduct weekly bush-combing operations to prevent kidnappings. The governor added that a special court had been established to handle cases involving suspected cultists and kidnappers.
He stressed that government efforts alone cannot end criminal activities. He therefore called on residents to provide useful information and support security agencies. He also urged Nigerians to support efforts by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Akintayo Ayinla, said peace requires the involvement of government, communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies and individual citizens. He said peaceful communities create better conditions for education, business and development.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, also linked peace to the fight against illicit drugs. He said drug abuse and trafficking can undermine efforts to build safe communities.
The call for stronger community participation comes as security agencies continue operations against crime in Edo. The state police command recently said it arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and rescued nine victims in August.
