By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured residents and people travelling through the State that the State is safe for business and leisure activities as security agencies continue to deepen collaboration in line with the goal of his administration’s security architecture.
Obaseki gave the positive security outlook on Monday, June 20, 2022 after the monthly Security Council Meeting in Government House, Benin City, the State capital.
The Governor who shed some light on the security report for the month of May 2022, said: “We have just completed the Security Council meeting for the month of May; where we reviewed the security situation in the State, and I am glad to inform you that the security situation in Edo continues to be stable. We have seen improvement.”
He added: “Even though we saw a slight increase in the number of security incidents reported from about 118 in April to about 125 in May, this increase is not attributable to very serious crimes.
“In terms of when we did this analysis in the month of May, we saw a significant increase in vehicular accidents and these accidents are mainly attributable to the bad Federal roads we have, particularly in the Ovia axis and in Agbede, where we recorded quite a number of loss of lives as a result of accidents.
“We also noticed that there was a slight increase in reported drug cases. Fortunately, kidnapping was stable for the month; we didn’t see any increase in kidnapping. We saw a slight increase in armed robbery which, as was explained to us, is not totally unconnected with some political activities during the period.
“But overall, as the commissioner will brief you, the security situation in the state is fair, and we are happy. The cooperation level from all the security agencies continues to be very good, and that partly explains why we have been able to control the situation within the State.”
Speaking on the use of motorcycles in the State, Obaseki clarified: “The ban on motorcycles in the main city is still in force, we have allowed tricycles in and around the semi-urban areas. Motorcycles can still be used in the rural areas where the road network is not as good. That is the position in the State today.”
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Abutu Yaro, declared that Edo is safe and ready for business and leisure activities.
He emphasized that at all times; the synergy among security agencies in the State is second to none.
The Police chief said: “I align myself with all the issues raised and I enjoin everyone who lives in Edo State or is travelling through Edo State to feel safe.
“Edo is now very safe under the watch of the Governor of the State. It is ready for business, it is ready for leisure; and at all times, the synergy of security architecture of Edo, as we speak, is second to none, and you are all reassured that the best is yet to come.”
