Edo Vows To Root Out Criminal Elements Following Soldier Attack

By Fikayo Babalola

Edo has vowed to root out criminal elements following soldier attack.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has declared war on criminal gangs in the state, promising to work closely with security agencies to flush them out.

The governor made this known when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, at the Government House in Benin City.

This move comes as a response to the recent attack on soldiers in the state, and is aimed at restoring peace and security to the region.

Obaseki has vowed that the state government will not tolerate a repeat of the Okomu incident, where soldiers were attacked by Okaighele and militant groups.

He vowed that the government is working closely with all security agencies to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the attack, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.

“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 Edo governor said.

“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’s incident in Okomu, where militants and community youths opened fire on soldiers, was a stark reminder of the security challenges we face.

“Thankfully, no lives were lost. However, we are taking swift action to apprehend those responsible.

“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.”

He furtherly said, “I thank the GOC for the visit, assurance, and support to our security efforts in Edo State, and assuring you that our government will always work closely with the military and other security agencies, and provide the needed support to all State and Federal security agencies to enable us to perform our duties as a government to protect lives and property of Edo citizens.”

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