The House of Representatives has applauded Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for setting up a Joint Security Taskforce to tackle the rising insecurity in the state.
The task force, known as Operation Rescue, was created to strengthen security across Edo. The Okpebholo-led administration has provided security vehicles, gadgets, and restructured the Edo State Security Corps to boost community-based security efforts.
The House’s resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was raised by Mr. Henry Okojie, who represents the Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency.
Okojie, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointed out the worsening security situation in his constituency. He noted that setting up a military base in Uromi would help curb the increasing cases of kidnappings, robberies, and killings.
During the session, Okojie stated, “The House commends the effort of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, for his innovative actions, including the establishment of a Joint Security Taskforce (Operation Rescue) to address the escalating insecurity across the State.”
He further noted that the initiative, which includes security vehicles and the restructuring of the Edo State Security Corps, has already started yielding positive results.
To strengthen security in the region, the House urged the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
Okojie cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the government’s primary duty is to ensure the security and welfare of its people. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, and cult-related killings, which have become a daily occurrence in the area.
“The level of insecurity in Esan North East and Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State has reached a critical juncture, with persistent and increasing incidents of killings, kidnappings, and other forms of violence,” he stated.
He also shared a list of victims who had been killed or harmed by criminals in the region. Among them were Mr. Sylvester and his mother, Mr. Kingsley Okoboh, Mr. Odion Onobhoebhin, Mr. Akhere, Mrs. Margaret Akpa, Mr. Monday Ikah, Mr. Eboh, and Mr. Ehiabhili (Chairman of the Tipper Drivers’ Association). Others include Miss Peace, Mr. Eze, Seminarian Ephraim Akhere, Mr. Victor and his wife, and Mrs. Samuel Inegbenebor.
He further noted that some victims were murdered even after ransoms were paid. There were also cases of organ harvesting, causing widespread fear among residents.
Okojie identified criminal hideouts along the rail route from Uzea to Ugboha, Amedokhian, Udo, Eko-Ibadin, and Ubiaja to Ewohimi, adding that kidnappers had begun targeting people in their homes.
In response, the House observed a minute of silence to honor those who had lost their lives to insecurity in Edo State.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to launch an in-depth investigation into the crisis. They called for better coordination among security agencies and stakeholders to curb the violence in the region.
Additionally, the House instructed its Committees on Defence, Army, National Security and Intelligence, Police, and Legislative Compliance to ensure the resolution is implemented and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
