The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, has issued a stern warning to members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), insisting that the persistent wave of insecurity in the area is unacceptable despite the resources committed to grassroots security.
Oshionogue spoke during a screening exercise for ESSC personnel in the council, days after the killing of a young farmer, Monday Obanigba, in Imoga community by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
He described the incident as unfortunate and called on the security corps to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting lives and property.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ajayi Julius, the council chairman said the local government would not tolerate ghost workers within the security outfit, stressing that security remains a serious responsibility.
“I must say that more is expected of us, security is local and with the number of Edo State Security Corps being paid by the Council to enhance grassroots security, I do not see any reason we should still be talking about kidnapping in Akoko-Edo with this number of personnel here,” Oshionogue said.
He further urged the personnel to support the Edo State Government’s efforts in tackling kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities across the local government.
Also speaking during the screening, the Chairman of the Screening Committee and Secretary to the Local
Meanwhile, residents of Imoga community have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to urgently intervene following the killing of the farmer and the worsening security situation in the area.
In a letter dated July 20, 2026, and signed by Jeffery Obasanmi, the community said the continued attacks by armed criminals had left residents living in fear and prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands, thereby threatening livelihoods and food production.
The community stated that the latest killing was part of a recurring pattern of violent attacks that had continued to endanger the peace and safety of residents.
“The peculiar geographical location of Imoga further compounds the challenge. Our community shares extensive boundaries with both Kogi State and Ondo State, making it susceptible to cross-border criminal activities and the easy movement of armed attackers.”
While acknowledging the efforts of the Edo State Government and the Akoko-Edo Local Government in addressing insecurity, the community urged the authorities to intensify security measures by establishing a permanent security base in Imoga, deploying more security personnel to protect the community and neighbouring border settlements, and strengthening collaboration among security agencies in Edo, Kogi and Ondo states to curb cross-border criminal activities.
