Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken a decisive step to strengthen security across Edo Central Senatorial District with the deployment of ten brand new patrol vehicles and the approval of a new welfare package for security operatives.

The intervention, aimed at curbing crime and restoring peace in the district, was unveiled during a security stakeholders’ meeting held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. The event brought together traditional rulers from across Esanland, security agencies, political leaders and community representatives.
Governor Okpebholo said the initiative was a strategic response to security challenges in the area, stressing that his administration remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminality.

“This is not just about handing over vehicles. It is about understanding what our security personnel are facing on the ground and responding directly. Security is the foundation of development, and we will not compromise the safety of our people,” the Governor said.

He disclosed that for effective implementation of the new security framework, local government chairmen must collaborate with security groups, including the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), hunters and anti-cultism units. According to him, members’ names must be submitted for profiling and enrolment into the government payroll to enable them to begin receiving salaries across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Governor Okpebholo further revealed that his administration had earlier set up a committee that trained 2,500 security corps personnel, who are to be integrated with existing ESSC members and deployed across the state.

“With this arrangement, we should have well over 3,000 security personnel operating in each local government area,”

During the interactive session, representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Esan South East, Igueben, the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit raised concerns over logistics shortfalls, inadequate equipment, herdsmen-related security threats, poor intelligence gathering and the need for improved mobility and communication tools.

Director of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Mr Richard Balogun, announced that salaries for security operatives have now been approved, ending months of uncertainty for personnel working in high-risk environments.

He commended the state government for prioritising both the welfare of operatives and the provision of logistics to enhance crime-fighting efforts.
“This clearly shows that the government values the sacrifices of our men and women. Improved welfare and logistics will greatly improve our operational effectiveness,” Balogun said.
Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd), urged the state government to sustain the momentum through continuous funding, improved intelligence tools and operational support. He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify vigilance by profiling suspicious persons and vehicles entering their communities.

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

Speaking on behalf of the Enijie of Esanland, the Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, praised Governor Okpebholo’s hands-on approach to governance, describing the administration’s security strategy as practical, inclusive and results-oriented.
He also announced plans by traditional rulers and Esan leaders in the diaspora to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund to mobilise financial and material support for security operations in Edo Central.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our people must be able to sleep peacefully, confident that their safety is assured,” the monarch said.