By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured citizens that the security situation in the state is stable despite concerns over increasing cases of drug related violence and homicide.
Speaking after the monthly State Security Council meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Mr Obaseki disclosed that while there had been a marginal increase in cases in March, there was a rapid decline in incidences of crime in the preceding months.
However, the Governor expressed worry over the rising number of homicides linked to transactions relating to land and drug use in the State.
“In several communities, we have seen situations where youth groups are very armed, and whenever there are disagreements relating to transactions, we find shootouts and unnecessary killings.
“We’ve also witnessed the fact that drugs contribute also to the rising incidence of homicide cases that we have witnessed,” Obaseki said.
In response to the prevalence of drug-related crimes, the State Government has called upon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to collaborate with it to carry out raids on premises where drugs are sold in Benin City and across the State.
