EDO (Sundiata Post) – In a decisive move to enhance the state’s security apparatus, Governor Godwin Obaseki has mandated the reaccreditation of more than 6,500 members of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network. The initiative aims to fortify the state’s security architecture, addressing prevalent criminal activities and ensuring the protection of residents’ lives and property.
The directive was issued during a comprehensive security briefing held at the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in Benin City, with the presence of key security chiefs in the state. Governor Obaseki reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with security agencies to combat crime and maintain public safety.
During the briefing, Governor Obaseki addressed recent security challenges, particularly in Edo North, where citizens, under the guise of a burial ceremony, engaged in acts of arson and assault against security agencies in Oja Village. He condemned the incident and emphasized the government’s resolve to take appropriate actions against those involved.
Highlighting the necessity for the reaccreditation of vigilante personnel, Governor Obaseki disclosed, “Commencing today, only the vigilante personnel trained in the Nigerian Police Training School, under the arrangement with the Edo State Government, will be allowed to serve in Edo State.” He further outlined the process, requiring all previously trained vigilante groups, totaling approximately 6,500 individuals, to report to the Police Staff College for reaccreditation.
Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating, “After reaccreditation, anybody or group acting as vigilantes without being trained by the Edo State Government will be dealt with like criminals.” He urged full cooperation from the concerned parties, underscoring the significance of re-identifying and integrating them into a state-of-the-art security information system.
Furthermore, the governor assured citizens of a sustained partnership with security agencies, including federal agencies operating a 24/7 Command and Control Center. He encouraged citizens to utilize the state’s emergency numbers, 112 or 739, to report incidents, crimes, or security breaches.
Governor Obaseki concluded by addressing potential investors, assuring them of the state’s safety and security for business. He warned against any attempts to exploit crisis situations for political gains, vowing to maintain peace and deal decisively with those jeopardizing security.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, revealed that the state government, in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police, is deploying an additional 4,000 policemen to ensure peace and development. Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, echoed the commitment to collaboration among security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of the people.
