Obaseki Goes tough on Drugs, Homicides as Security Situation Remains Stable in Edo

To address these concerns, a committee has been established to investigate the cases of homicide in Edo State.

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.

“We are glad that, in spite of the elections, the security situation in Edo remains stable,” he said.

However, the Governor expressed worry over the rising number of homicides linked to transactions relating to land and drug use in the State.

He also revealed that youth groups in several communities are heavily armed and resort to violence when disputes arise. He emphasized the need to take urgent action to curb these killings and make the state safer for everyone.

“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.

He further disclosed that 51 people have been killed in the state this year alone, with many of the cases related to land transactions. To address these concerns, a committee has been established to investigate the cases of homicide in Edo State.

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.