Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to bring to justice those responsible for the February 21 attacks on seven communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the affected areas.
During an on-the-spot assessment visit, Governor Okpebholo assured residents that the government would facilitate the establishment of a police outpost to prevent future attacks and enhance security. He emphasized that safeguarding lives and property remains his top priority, stressing that no crime would go unpunished under his leadership.
“From the testimonies I have heard and the investigations conducted, these are criminals invading your farms to steal the crops you have labored for. As a government, we will go after them. I assure you that you will live here in peace. Our actions will prove that lasting peace is coming. No individual should be more powerful than an entire community—burning houses and killing people just to steal farm produce. Wherever they are hiding, we will hunt them down, bring them to justice, and ensure that peace prevails,” Governor Okpebholo declared.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring them of swift government intervention.
“I understand your pain, but I urge you to take heart. Do not fight anyone or resort to violence. Maintain the peace as you have been doing. I assure you that we will work here so you can feel the presence of the government and experience real development. We have already deployed soldiers to the area, and we now have three additional Operation Rescue patrol vehicles to support them. Once I return to Benin, I will liaise with the Commissioner of Police to expedite the establishment of a police outpost to ensure sustained security,” he stated.
As part of his peace efforts, Governor Okpebholo also met with leaders and members of Gbelebe, a neighboring Ijaw community, calling for unity and assuring them of government support.
“My core mission as Governor is to restore peace and bring development. Without peace, there can be no progress. These killings and conflicts must stop. This is a large community with no roads and no electricity, and yet, instead of focusing on development, criminality persists. I assure you that my administration will gradually bring meaningful development here,” the Governor assured.
Leaders from Madoti and Gbelebe communities recounted that the crisis erupted when hoodlums attempted to steal farm produce from farmers in Madoti’s farm settlements but were confronted by a newly formed local vigilante group.
They lamented the persistent menace of farm theft and pleaded with the Governor to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property, ensuring that farmers could work without fear of attacks.
Signed:
Fred Itua
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor
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