BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR
THE Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has vowed that the State Government would collaborate with security agencies to flush out criminal gangs in the State.
The governor disclosed this when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
According to Obaseki, the state government would not accept a similar incident that happened in the Okomu area where Okaigheles and militant groups shot at soldiers, adding that the State Government is collaborating with all security agencies to go after all those that were involved in the incident.
He noted, “I have been privileged this morning to receive, in our office, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2, Division, Nigeria Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu. He is on an inspection of his area of command.
“The military has been of great support to our security efforts in Edo State. The Brigade Commander is a member of our State Security Council and they have provided tremendous backup and support to the other security agencies in the State.
“Last week, we had an unfortunate incident in the Okomu area where militants and some community youths shot at some soldiers and fortunately there was no casualty. We are going after all those that were involved in the incident.
“We will not accept the level of arms build-up by cultists and Okaigheles in Edo State and the State Government wants to reiterate that with the backing of the military, we will go after criminal gangs who are constituting a nuisance in Edo State and building up arms in our State to terrorize citizens.”
He added, “I thank the GOC for the visit, assurance, and support to our security efforts in Edo State, and assuring you that our government will always work closely with the military and other security agencies, and provide the needed support to all State and Federal security agencies to enable us to perform our duties as a government to protect lives and property of Edo citizens.”
On his part, the GOC 2 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, thanked the governor, noting, “We have had recent clashes where a few misguided youths have attacked our men. This is quite unacceptable.
‘’I have conveyed that to His Excellency. Going forward, we are hoping such incidents will not occur again and if it does occur, we will take decisive actions to stop all criminals who attempt to thwart the activities of the Army and other security agencies within Edo State.
“We will continue to work with the people and the State Government to ensure things remain calm in the State. I also visited the Oba of Benin where I also conveyed this message and he reassured me that the people will work with us towards safety and security in the State.
“We are glad that all sectors in the State, be it government and traditional, are working towards the same purpose. We hope to see peace and safety continue in the State.”
