By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo administration’s sweeping security strategy is that criminals will find no hiding place anywhere in the state and residents can go about their lives assured of peace and safety..
The Edo State Commissioner for Safety and Security, Chief Festus Ebea, who disclosed this at the weekend said that the governor’s declaration that Edo cannot be a hiding place for criminals is a matter of fact.
According to Ebea, ‘From the outset, Governor Okpebholo’s mission has been to restore peace and ensure a crime-free Edo. We are intensifying intelligence-driven operations, coordinating targeted raids on known criminal hubs, and dismantling drug networks that fuel deviant behaviour among our youths. The government is determined to smoke out drug dealers and other criminals wherever they hide to ensure a peaceful and safe society.”
He explained that the Okpebholo administration is tackling kidnapping and cultism through a strengthened security architecture and coordinated task forces across the state.
“Our drive against cultism and kidnapping is in full alignment with the governor’s directives to end these crises through stronger security structures and joint operations,” Ebea added.
On the recent anti-drug operations in Uromi, Ubiaja and Auchi, which led to multiple arrests, the Commissioner said the raids were intelligence-led and would not stop.
“This is not a one-off effort — we will continue to smoke out drug dealers and criminals wherever they hide,” he said. “At the same time, we understand the need to protect civil liberties. Every operation must respect due process, and suspects are being profiled and handed over to prosecuting authorities in line with the law.”
Chief Ebea said that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is deepening partnerships with communities and traditional leaders to strengthen grassroots security.
“The government is strengthening the flow of credible intelligence and partnering with traditional and community leaders to improve crime prevention at the grassroots. Security is a shared responsibility, and we are fostering that collective engagement statewide.”
Reacting to the tragic tanker explosion at Auchi, Ebea said for the governor, it is a wake-up call for urgent road safety reforms and improved emergency response.
“Following the tragic tanker explosion at Auchi, we recognised the dangerous state of the Auchi–Okene expressway near Jattu Junction,” he said. “We have issued strong warnings to the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers and stressed the urgency of road rehabilitation and preventive safety measures.”
He disclosed that the state government is working closely with relevant agencies to upgrade road infrastructure and emergency response systems to prevent similar disasters.
On the use of technology and data in fighting crime, Ebea said Governor Okpebholo’s government is strengthening intelligence gathering and ensuring that information drives security operations.
“In our fight against crime, the State Governor is enhancing intelligence gathering and ensuring the best use of information to guide operations,” Ebea noted.
To reassure Edo residents, he said patrols have been reinforced while targeted raids have been intensified in vulnerable communities.
“We have reinforced patrols and intensified targeted raids in vulnerable areas, as part of our strategy to dismantle criminal networks and reassure citizens,” he said. “It remains our priority to protect young people from the destructive grip of crime and to make our communities safer.”
On cult clashes and youth violence, Ebea argued that Governor Okpebholo administration is combining firm law enforcement with youth engagement and prevention.
“Security operations are ongoing across the state to tackle cultism and related violent crime. Through coordinated raids and arrests, we are disrupting these networks. At the same time, we support efforts that redirect youth from criminal influence toward positive livelihoods,” he said.
For Chief Ebea, the message to criminals and citizens alike is unambiguous: Edo State is under a new security order, and the government will deploy every lawful means to secure lives, property and the future of its people.