Okpebholo Promises Five-Minute Security Response Across Edo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised that residents will begin to see an improvement in security within the next month, saying security agencies will be able to respond to threats anywhere in the state within five minutes.

The governor made the promise on Sunday during a service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road in Benin City, while outlining measures his administration is taking to tackle insecurity across the state.

Okpebholo said his administration was working to strengthen security in Edo and ensure that residents could receive quick assistance whenever they faced threats.

“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next one month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state within five minutes,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that dedicated emergency telephone numbers would soon be made available to the public.

He urged residents and other people who may find themselves in distress to use the numbers to seek immediate assistance from security agencies once they are released.

The planned emergency lines are expected to provide residents with a direct means of contacting security authorities during incidents requiring urgent intervention.

Okpebholo said the broader objective of his administration was to leave Edo safer than it was when he assumed office, with particular attention to kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities.

His latest assurance comes as his administration continues to emphasise security as one of its priorities in the state. Earlier efforts have included strengthening the state’s security structure and deploying personnel to areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities.

In June, Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the state was training 500 forest guards to help secure forest areas, while another 500 personnel had received federal approval, bringing the planned number of forest guards to 1,000. He also said 300 members of the Edo State Security Corps had been engaged in each of the state’s 18 local government areas.

The measures are aimed at improving the state’s ability to respond to security threats, particularly in areas affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The governor said his administration remained committed to creating an environment where residents could live and conduct their businesses without fear.

Speaking during the church service, Pastor Emmanuel Ebiye commended the governor for what he described as his developmental efforts and work towards improving the state.

Ebiye also thanked Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution to members.

After the service at Winners Chapel, Okpebholo and his entourage visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, also along Sapele Road in Benin City.

The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, spoke about the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the elections would be peaceful and that Nigeria would remain united.

The governor’s comments on security come at a time when security remains a major concern for residents across parts of Edo State. In August, security agencies intensified a joint clearance operation around the Imiakebu and Okpella axis of the state as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities in affected communities.

Okpebholo also said his administration was making progress in addressing insecurity and urged residents to continue supporting efforts aimed at making the state safer.