Okoukoni Calls For Holistic Approach In Tackling Continuous Kidnapping In Edo State

By Simeon OSAJIE

A frontline Edo State 2024 governorship aspirant and founder of Martins Okoukoni Care Foundation, Mr. Martins Azekhumen Okoukoni has raised the alarm over the poor approach in tackling the continuous kidnapping that is ravaging Edo State people particular the recent happening in Edo Central Senatorial District with special reference to residents of Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North-East local government area of the State.

In a press statement signed and made available to newsmen, Mr. Okoukoni said “I’m pained regarding the continuous kidnapping of our hardworking men and women in Edo State, as regard to the recent happening in Uromi the administrative headquarters of Esan North-East local government area of the State where kidnappers contact the family of the kidnapped victims on phone without any form of tracking the phone number by the security agencies.”

While emphasizing that it is very painful that kidnapping activities can still continue with the old tactics, it is unimaginable especially in this era of technology that the current criminality experience is also due to long term deprivation and poverty amongst the youths. An empowerment programmes and job creation will go a long way to reducing criminality mindsets amongst our people, adding that the government must embrace social welfare approach, working with private sectors and NGOs to ensure none is left behind, because as they say, ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.

He assured the good people that, given opportunity to serve as governor of Edo State come 2024, he promised to make sure his government introduce advance technologies with capacity to tracking any form of criminal activities and locations of criminals especially when it involves kidnapping.

“I will also make sure security agencies are well trained to ensure quick response to criminal activities that involves supply of modern security equipment, introduction of modern technologies and recruitment of more security men and women into the force to enhance adequate policing. There should be more security officers to deal with growing population like Edo State,” he said.