The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy additional security personnel to Edo State to combat the growing threats of kidnapping and banditry.
This call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Marcus Onobun. The House also directed the police chief to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance in key flashpoints across Edo State and neighboring areas.
Presenting the motion, Onobun highlighted Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people are the primary responsibilities of the government. He emphasized that Edo State, often referred to as the “heartbeat of the nation,” is home to a diverse population engaged in various economic and social activities.
He lamented the deteriorating security situation in the state, noting that recent reports indicate that over 32 people have been killed due to attacks by criminals, commonly referred to as “killer herdsmen.”
According to Onobun, “Reports suggest that on Monday, February 24, 2025, two indigenous residents of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area were brutally murdered by suspected killer herdsmen. Additionally, at least 28 people lost their lives following a violent clash between cocoa farmers and Ijaw militants in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area.”
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence, he warned that the persistent bloodshed has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, disrupting the state’s socio-economic activities.
He further noted that the Edo State government appears overwhelmed by the frequency and severity of these attacks, necessitating urgent intervention from the Federal Government to restore peace and stability.
