Edo Governor Promises Faster Security Response Against Kidnappers

(Governor Monday Okpebholo. Photo Credit: Nation News)

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo met with youth leaders from across Edo South to discuss how they can work together to keep their communities safe.

The meeting at the Creative Hub in Benin City brought together security chiefs, vigilante groups and community security leaders.

Okpebholo stressed that protecting the state is everyone's job, not just the government's.

He urged the youth leaders to report any security threats they notice and work closely with the police and other security agencies.

The governor said his administration won't tolerate criminals from other states coming into Edo to kidnap residents.

He promised that the state will be significantly safer in the coming weeks because strategies are already in place.

When distress calls come in, between five and seven security vehicles will arrive within five minutes, he said.

Motorcycles will also be given to security personnel so they can reach remote forest areas where criminals hide.

Okpebholo said the meeting was designed to build better teamwork between the youth leaders, police, vigilante groups and security agencies to strengthen how communities police themselves.

His administration has made progress fighting cultism, kidnapping and other crimes, and he's asked community leaders to keep giving security agencies good information to maintain these gains.

The police commissioner praised the governor for calling the meeting and told the youth leaders to see themselves as guardians of security in their areas while partnering with security forces.

An Air Force commander said Edo is making real progress on security with all the right systems now in place to tackle criminals.