Barely 24 hours after suspending a traditional ruler over alleged involvement in kidnapping, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday convened a high-level security meeting in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The gathering brought together prominent political figures, religious and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, and key stakeholders to deliberate on the growing security concerns in Edo North.
The closed-door meeting was aimed at addressing insecurity in the region and devising sustainable strategies to restore peace. Speaking after the session, Governor Okpebholo assured residents that under his leadership, criminal activities would not be tolerated.
“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders. The closed-door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he said.
The governor also promised to implement all resolutions agreed upon during the meeting, stressing that Edo must be made uninhabitable for criminal elements.
Among those in attendance were the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; and former Deputy Governors Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu.
Also present were the former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe; former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; security chiefs; and other notable figures.
Comrade Oshiomhole, after the meeting, applauded Governor Okpebholo for his proactive approach in tackling security issues, noting the governor’s commitment to equipping security agencies.
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.
“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all,” he said.
Oshiomhole further disclosed that the governor had already provided vehicles and motorbikes to the police and other security outfits in a bid to bolster their operations.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi also praised the initiative and the turnout of traditional rulers.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he said.
His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, a traditional ruler from Edo North, described the meeting as a landmark step towards securing the state.
“Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all,” he declared.
