Okpebholo Reads Riot Act to Criminals, Equips Security Agencies with 300 Motorbikes

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that criminals will no longer find safe haven in the state, vowing to flush them out with decisive measures.

The Governor made the bold statement on Tuesday while commissioning over 300 motorbikes procured for distribution across the three senatorial districts to strengthen security operations. The event, held at Government House, Benin City, was attended by top security and government officials, including Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika; Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo; and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu.

Governor Okpebholo explained that the motorbikes are tailored to support security agencies in penetrating hard-to-reach terrains, particularly forest areas where kidnappers and bandits often hide.

“We promised during our campaign that we would fight insecurity and restore peace to every part of Edo State. Today, we are fulfilling that promise. These bikes will be deployed across the senatorial districts to help security agencies reach places vehicles cannot go. Criminals must leave Edo State. These motorbikes and the security technologies we are deploying will make it impossible for them to operate,” he said.

The Governor further assured that the bikes would be properly maintained to ensure continuous use.

Applauding the initiative, CP Agbonika described the move as “a new dawn” in Edo’s fight against crime.

“With these motorbikes, we can now go deep into the forests where criminals hide. The days of impunity are over,” the Police Commissioner declared, while urging residents to support security agencies with credible information.

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also commissioned heavy-duty equipment including bulldozers, low-bed trucks, and tractors for the Edo State Waste Management Board. He explained that the investment was a deliberate departure from the past administration’s practice of renting equipment at exorbitant costs.

“The previous administration spent over ₦50 million monthly to rent caterpillars for waste management. That was not sustainable. These machines were purchased with Edo people’s money for Edo people’s use,” the Governor stated.

Managing Director of the Waste Management Board, Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbeneh, hailed the acquisition as a major boost to environmental sanitation.

“With these new machines, we now have the capacity to clean Edo more effectively. This is proof that the Governor truly cares about the welfare of the people,” he said.

With these twin interventions in security and sanitation, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to practical leadership, long-term investments, and results-driven governance aimed at building a safer, cleaner, and more efficient Edo State.