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Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has promised that the state government will collaborate with security agencies to flush out criminal gangs from the State.
The governor stated this on Friday when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
According to Obaseki, the state government will not accept a repeat of similar incident that happened in the Okomu area where Okaigheles and militant groups shot at soldiers.
Governor Obaseki added that the government is collaborating with all security agencies to go after all those that were involved in the incident.
“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 Edo 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,” Obaseki said.
He hailed the visiting GOC for the visit, assurance, and support to the state’s security efforts, and assured that the government will always work closely with the military and other security agencies by providing needed support to all state and federal security agencies in order to protect lives and property of Edo citizens.
On his part, Maj.-Gen. Onubogu thanked the governor for receiving him and his delegation and for “the frank discussion we had concerning security in Edo State. I am here to thank the governor for the support he has given to us in the discharge of our duties in safeguarding the federation, particularly the people in Edo State.”
He further noted, “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.”
He further pledged the readiness of the Army 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 re-assured 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,” Onubogu said.