Okpebholo Boosts Security in Edo Central With Deployment of 10 Patrol Vehicles

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strengthened security operations in Edo Central Senatorial District with the deployment of ten newly acquired patrol vehicles to security agencies operating in the area.

The handover ceremony took place in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, and was attended by traditional rulers from across Esanland, security commanders, political leaders and community representatives. The exercise formed part of the governor’s ongoing security engagement tour aimed at identifying operational gaps, improving coordination and implementing community-based security solutions.

Governor Okpebholo said the initiative was a deliberate intervention to enhance rapid response and crime prevention, stressing that security remains central to his administration’s development agenda.

“This is not a ceremonial gesture. It is a deliberate effort to understand the challenges on the ground and respond with practical solutions. Without security, development cannot thrive, and the safety of our people will not be compromised,” the governor said.

He urged local government chairmen to work closely with security formations and community-based security groups, including the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), hunters and anti-cultism units. According to him, all operatives must be properly profiled and documented to be eligible for formal engagement and remuneration.

Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had earlier constituted a committee that trained 2,500 security corps personnel, who would now be integrated with existing ESSC members and deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas.

“With this structure, each local government area should have no fewer than 300 security personnel to enhance coverage and effectiveness,” he added.

During an interactive session, security representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Esan South East, Igueben, as well as the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit, outlined key operational challenges. These included inadequate logistics, limited equipment, herder-related security issues, intelligence gaps and poor communication infrastructure.

Director of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Mr Richard Balogun, announced that salaries for security operatives had been approved, bringing relief to personnel who had worked under difficult conditions. He commended the state government for prioritising both welfare and logistics.

“The approval of salaries and provision of operational tools clearly show that the government values the sacrifices of security operatives. This will significantly improve morale and performance,” Balogun said.

Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), called for sustained investment in logistics, intelligence gathering and operational funding. He also urged traditional institutions and community leaders to intensify vigilance by monitoring movements within their domains.

“Our communities must serve as the first line of defence. With cooperation, criminals will find no refuge in Edo Central,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in Esanland, the Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, praised Governor Okpebholo’s proactive leadership and described the administration’s security strategy as inclusive and action-oriented.

The monarch revealed that Esan traditional leaders, in collaboration with Esan indigenes in the diaspora, were concluding plans to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund to support security operations across the senatorial district.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Our people deserve peace of mind, and this collective effort will help ensure that,” he said.