Edo State government’s collaboration with various Federal Government security agencies in Edo State including local vigilante has strengthen the peace, security and safety enjoyed by people of the State.
Governor Godwin Obaseki disclosed this while receiving the Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu who led other senior Military officers to Government House on a courtesy visit.
The governor who commended the Army for their continuous support for his administration and contributions to the security architecture of the State said their contributions have in no little way led to peace, and safety in Edo State.
“We are enjoying peace, security and safety in Edo State today largely because of the backing of the Military and other Federal security agencies.
“The security situation in Edo State today particularly vis-a-vis or relative to States around our Zone, has tremendously improved. You will agree with us that Edo is relatively peaceful and one of the safest State in Nigeria.
“We didn’t achieve this on our own but we have support from security agencies and one of these support structures is the Army. The level of collaboration, intervention and support from the military authority is largely responsible for the peace and safety we experienced in Edo State.
“Few years ago, we had lots of kidnapping incidents internally within the State as you couldn’t travel from Benin to Auchi for instance without fear of being kidnapped. But today, working with the Military and setting up the Military Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ehor we no longer hear of such incidents.
“Also in the Western flank in the State, like Sobe and the Odighi area you know perennially at the crisis of militancy and , terrorism attacks, these criminals come in and ransacking villages, farms, working with the military we were able to dismantle their plans. We have a temporarily FOB already in this areas and we will be building a permanent one there.
“We have recommended tremendous successes as companies are now relocating to this axis. What is left is the Northern boarder with Kogi State around the Akoko-Edo axis as we are putting our heads together with General Officer Commanding the Division to see how to take charge of the security situation in that part of the State”.
Speaking on the readiness of his administration to ensure a peaceful and secured Governorship election in Edo State, Obaseki said “following the security architecture our government have put in place and resilient we have build into the system, what we have today in our security architecture will put us through as security in the State is intact.
Earlier, Major General Obinna Onubogu said he is in the State on a familiarization visits to the governor as he assume duty as Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army about one moth ago.
He thanked the governor and his administration for the various support the Army has continued to recieve from Edo State government and has helped maintain peace and security in the State.
“I have just taken over about a month ago as the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army. This visit to his Excellency is to familiarize myself and inform him officially that i have taken over 2 Division. Edo State happens to be one of the State which is within the area of responsibility of 2 Division.
“Edo State Government have been very supportive as the Nigerian Army has benefited from the government. The government have supported through 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Military Hospital Benin and several establishment in Edo State.
“The government have also supported the Army in Communication with our operations and greatful for supporting some of our bases. This have improve security and curb some of the excesses of criminal element within the State.
“The Army will continue to provide support to the government and sister security agencies in the State whenever we are called upon. The Army base we have set up within the State are there and active and ready to spring into action when needed to ensure the wish of the people comes to pass”.