Edo Prioritizes Security: Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards to Protect Communities

Francis Onoiribholo

Due to the present state of instability within the nation, the Edo State administration announced on Wednesday that they will place safety concerns at the forefront of their agenda.

In response to the present security conditions within the state, Commissioner of Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, stated that the state administration is actively working to address instability without taking a passive approach.

During a combined media conference with the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and the Commissioner of Transportation, Saturday Iyalekhue, Ebea mentioned that more than 1,000 forest rangers have been sent out to protect local areas as part of efforts to address security challenges within the state.

He mentioned that the state government has hired 500 forest rangers to protect the areas of vegetation throughout the state, and the federal government has recently authorized an extra 500, bringing the total to 1,000.

As per Ebea, their headquarters will be located in rural areas to safeguard farmers. He mentioned that staff members will be stationed at problematic locations along the borders of neighboring states.

He mentioned that the state government has recently found out that some young people in the state are now helping herders kidnap locals from the area.

He stated, 'The government has also clearly indicated that they are targeting those involved, and anyone caught will face persecution.'

He also mentioned that the state government has employed 300 members of the Edo State Security Network in every one of the 18 local governments, resulting in an overall count of 5,400 personnel across the state.

The official stated that certain murders occurring in the state are driven by drug-related activities. He mentioned that authorities are pursuing those responsible and that anyone apprehended will face legal consequences.

Ebea stated that to effectively safeguard the state, Senator Monday Okpeholo's administration is working alongside security personnel to thoroughly inspect every part of the region.

He urged the general public to provide security forces with information that could result in the apprehension of criminals, noting that submitting such details directly at their doorstep is handled efficiently.

Earlier, Afegbua stated that Governor Okpebholo is committed to expanding development throughout the state, emphasizing that no local government area will be excluded.

From his side, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Saturday Iyalekhue highlighted several accomplishments of his department, among them the ban on unapproved vehicle loading. He mentioned that this measure has provided comfort throughout Benin City, the state’s capital.

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Afenifere Demands Halt to Terrorists in Military Integration

...Southwest Monarchs Call On Residents To Prepare For Personal Protection

Driven by the alarming actions of extremists within the country, especially in the Southwest region, the Ondo State branch of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organization, has urged the federal government to halt the inclusion of converted militants into the national armed forces.

The group further called upon customary leaders and residents of the Southwest region to remain vigilant and prepare for self-protection against militants attacking local areas and abducting students and educators.

Afenifere noted that incorporating former terrorist groups into the system is imprudent and has shown to be harmful to counter-terrorism methods and approaches.

The group stated: 'We urge an end from now on to the misguided inclusion of terrorists in any form within the Nigerian military, as this action has demonstrated itself to be harmful and ineffective against our country's efforts in combating terrorism and defense planning.'

Encouraging traditional leaders in the Southwest to get their communities ready for defense, Afenifere called for efficient elimination of planned hegemonic military attacks on territory.

A statement issued together by the chairman and secretary, Chief Hon. Korede Duyile and Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello respectively, stated: "Meanwhile, we urge all our community leaders to promptly implement defense strategies, frameworks, and institutions aimed at both thwarting and decisively eliminating the planned expansionist military attacks carried out by the raiders, referred to as bandits along with their local accomplices."

We urge the upright residents of Ondo along with others from the South-West states to remain constantly vigilant and prepared to take action in their own defence.

The group urged for the rapid recovery of the 42 students and seven teachers who were taken hostage in Oyo State by militants.

A statement says in part: "The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, condemns the tragic abduction of 42 students and seven educators on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota, which are situated within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State."

Unfortunately, the lawless outlaws went so far as to behead one of the educators! We strongly reject and criticize their ongoing imprisonment in the harshest and most brutal living situations, along with extended intentional physical and psychological abuse beyond imagination.

We genuinely empathize with the impacted children and educators, along with their families, communities, and the government of Oyo State during this challenging period marked by lasting sorrow and provocative actions.

The action that has forced everyone impacted to endure mental and bodily suffering is not just considered abominable and wicked, but also a grievous offense against human dignity and rationality.

We ask for swift heavenly help and deliverance of everyone taken hostage by bandits in Oyo State, along with many others who are detained in Ondo State and different areas across Nigeria.

We further hope all those affected experience a quick healing from their wounds and emotional distress.

We value the attention from the federal government. We remember all the sincere individuals who have participated in the relief efforts. We praise each one of you.

We highly commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his bravery amidst these difficulties. We truly hope that the recent tragic kidnappings had not occurred.

Nevertheless, we can only wish that this unfortunate event serves as a reminder to all our Southwest governors about the continuous appeals, requests, and alerts issued by AFENIFERE in recent years. The leadership of Afenifere has consistently cautioned, often backed by evidence, regarding the looming disasters caused by the uncontrolled and unlimited entry of unwanted individuals, intentionally coming from various regions within Nigeria into the South-West.

Regrettably, our good intentions went unnoticed.

The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, despite the deeply distressing situation, emphasizes once again the urgent need for the creation of State Police forces, regional administrations, and defined constitutional responsibilities for local community leaders.

We also acknowledge the recent court decision and the sentence of execution by hanging for the terrorists who caused significant losses at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo in 2023.

We nevertheless urge swift trials and legal resolution of all cases related to terrorists, abductors, bandits, and other violent offenders.

We want to praise the security personnel, who keep dedicating their lives to safeguarding the community despite difficult circumstances.

We urgently request authorities at every level to provide essential resources needed for efficient monitoring, information collection, and strategic operations, with the aim of promptly and definitively halting the incursions of these terrible aggressors.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).