The Edo State Government has taken a number of steps to strengthen its security posture.
Adaze Emwanta, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, revealed the measures to journalists after the weekly Executive Council Meeting in Government House on Wednesday July 6, 2022, presided over by the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the measures include the ratification of vigilante groups for churches that would work with security agencies to prevent attacks on worshippers.
Emwanta said: “As a result of the conclusions reached with the various religious heads, community leaders, traditional leaders and other stakeholders, the Edo State Government has approved for churches to have their own vigilante groups as a way of supporting the already existing Edo State security network.”
He explained: “These Vigilante groups that will be operated by Churches will be registered by the State Government for the protection not just of our various worship houses, but our various communities where you have these churches.”
Commenting on the recent release of some catholic priests who were kidnapped in the State, the Communication commissioner said: “The two Catholic Priests that were kidnapped have been released and are currently receiving medical attention and the criminals behind the kidnap were apprehended and they are already cooperating with security agents.”
He further stated that the adoption of the priests has spurred numerous security measures by the State Government in collaboration with key stakeholders in various Local Government Areas in order to fish out criminals from their hideouts in any area of the State.
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Monday Osaigbovo, who also shed light on the outcomes of the EXCO Meeting, said: “We have also directed the head of Local Government Administrations in each of the local government councils to meet with the traditional rulers, the village heads, the vigilantes, our hunters, to ensure that while they see new things, they must also speak out so that at the end of the day, our villages, roads, our farms and forests could be what they used to be.”
According to Osaigbovo, “EXCO commended the various security outfits which make up the Edo State Security Network, including the Police, Vigilante groups, hunters amongst others, adding that the implementation of strategies has already commenced to restore peace and normalcy to the State.