Edo Kidnap: Okpebholo Pledges Justice, Police Commence Investigation

Authorities in Edo State have given their word to citizens that individuals responsible for the recent abduction of a woman at a Benin vegetable market on Sunday will face the full force of the law. They confirmed that the Edo State Police Command has already launched an investigation into the matter. This assurance came from Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who spoke about the development during a radio broadcast on Wednesday.

Mr. Ebojele clarified that the state's Police Command initiated its inquiry without delay, following Governor Okpebholo's directive for security agencies to ensure the swift apprehension of those involved. He stressed that the incident is being treated with utmost urgency, with security personnel actively engaged in an extensive search to locate and arrest the culprits.

He quoted the governor as issuing a 'clear directive,' which the Police Command is diligently executing. Ebojele emphasized, 'We want the family and members of the public to know that this matter is being treated with urgency. The perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice.'

Furthermore, Ebojele advised social media users and digital news outlets to refrain from sensationalizing security events, warning that overstated reports could induce undue public alarm and potentially hinder active security operations. While conceding that insecurity is a global challenge, including in Nigeria, he affirmed Governor Okpebholo's substantial commitment to enhancing security through investments in personnel, equipment, and intelligence infrastructure since his tenure began.

Ebojele reflected on the state's security landscape: 'When Governor Okpebholo came into office, the security situation in Edo State was a major concern. Since then, he has invested heavily in personnel, equipment and intelligence infrastructure. The improvement is evident. We are not where we were, and we will continue working until our people are fully protected.'

He called upon citizens to maintain vigilance, report any suspicious activities to law enforcement, and actively support current initiatives aimed at preserving peace and order throughout Edo State. Ebojele further elaborated that the state's forests and agricultural lands are set to become more secure with the ongoing training of new forest guards, recruited from various local government areas and their respective host communities.

According to him, the rationale behind recruiting local residents is to bolster security efforts by leveraging their intimate knowledge of the local terrain. 'These are people who know the environment. They understand the forests, the pathways and the communities. That local knowledge is a major advantage in securing rural areas and protecting farmers who depend on these lands. The farmlands and forests will become safer soon,' Ebojele stated.

He concluded by describing this initiative as an integral component of Governor Okpebholo's comprehensive security strategy, designed to augment the work of traditional security forces and enhance surveillance in rural areas frequently targeted by criminals.