A majority of the victims who were abducted at the Igueben train station have been rescued, and Edo people and public policy experts have praised the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and security agencies for their swift coordination response, and deployment of technology.
The community-based security model adopted by the Governor Obaseki-led administration, according to the residents who praised the government’s commitment to citizen security and safety, “has helped to create a sense of shared responsibility and active participation of all stakeholders for the safety and well-being of all communities in the state.”
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Convener of Esan Agenda, a pro-development organization, Akhere Obozele stated that the governor’s leadership skills, use of technology, and ongoing security agency efforts have not only helped to deter criminal activity but have also helped to foster trust and unity among Edo citizens.
“What a lot of people haven’t realized thus far is that Edo State may have the most advanced technology equipment in Nigeria for tracking crime. High-tech equipment was used to facilitate the rescue mission. The success rate has been high thanks to a technical basis that supports the soldiers in the field. There are now only two persons remaining that need to be rescued. That cannot be said of other states in Nigeria, where a similar incident has occurred.
“The team received backup from the Edo State Command and Control Center, which is a revolutionary intervention that deploys technology tools for tracking, monitoring, and interception of criminals no matter where they are situated in the state.”
He continued, “We are really grateful for the commitment and bravery shown by these people, who put themselves in danger to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
Obozele added, “We especially thank Governor Obaseki for implementing a community-based security model that has demonstrated efficacy in defending our state.” All stakeholders now have a sense of collective responsibility and active participation for the safety and well-being of our community thanks to the community-based security model.
Ikponmwosa Nosakhare, a policy expert and lecturer at the University of Benin, said that other states facing security issues should imitate the state’s government’s security strategy, particularly the use of advanced technology to support security operatives.
According to Nosakhare, “Having a secure environment is one thing, but having technical backup to outsmart thieves in Edo State is quite another. This is what Governor Obaseki has done, and we can already see how it has improved security and reduced crime in the state.