Edo Not Safe For Kidnappers, Criminals – Oba Ewuare Declares, Unveils Community Security Network

By Ayo Kehinde

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has declared that Edo State will not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers and other criminal elements, as he unveiled a grassroots community security network across the seven local government areas of Edo South Senatorial District.

The monarch made the declaration during a strategic meeting with youth leaders (Okaighele) from communities across the district at his palace in Benin City, where he announced a new security framework to complement government efforts to tackle growing security challenges in the state.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the initiative is designed to strengthen vigilance at the grassroots level and improve intelligence gathering through a traditional neighbourhood watch system.

As part of the arrangement, Oba Ewuare directed youth leaders in the various communities to establish advisory committees between five and 10 members and develop practical strategies to address security threats in their localities.

The monarch explained that the initiative was a follow-up to an earlier meeting he held with traditional religious leaders, including native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses, whom he urged to deploy spiritual means to support efforts to curb criminality and restore peace across Edo State.

Oba Ewuare said members of the newly created community security committees would report security concerns directly to the Coordinator, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, the Okao N’Oreguae, who oversees Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in the Benin Kingdom.

He noted that the reports would be submitted periodically and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

According to the monarch, the initiative is intended to foster peace, strengthen security collaboration among communities and ensure that residents can go about their daily activities without fear.

“We do not want you to fight yourselves or kill people”, he told the youth leaders.

The Oba, however, cautioned that the security arrangement should not be misconstrued as a licence for vigilantism, intimidation or abuse of authority. He warned that no individual or group involved in the initiative should use it to oppress residents, settle personal scores or engage in the indiscriminate sale of communal lands.

“The new security arrangement does not give anyone or any group the right to misbehave, oppress residents, or sell communal land indiscriminately”, he stated.

The Benin monarch further stressed that the Edo people have a rich history of courage and resilience, recalling how their ancestors defended their territories and communities in times of conflict.

Declaring that criminality would not be tolerated in the state, Oba Ewuare warned those involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes to desist or face the consequences of their actions.

“Edo people are not scared of battles”, he said, adding that those conspiring against the interests of the Edo people were destined to fail.

“Killings and kidnappings have no place here. We do not curse, but we communicate with our ancestors. We advise herdsmen, armed robbers, and others to stop this evil. Edo State must be habitable for our children and people, including non-indigenes and investors, to dwell peacefully”, the monarch stated.

He also offered prayers to Almighty God and his royal ancestors for peace, security and stability in Edo State and across Nigeria.

Speaking at the gathering, the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, urged the youth leaders to approach their responsibilities with diligence, patriotism and a high sense of responsibility.

He charged them to identify courageous, trustworthy and reliable individuals with extensive knowledge of their communities and terrain to serve on the security committees.

“We won’t cede any portion of Edo land. We want our people to be safe”, Osamwonyi said.