A coalition of civil Society Organisations in Edo State has praised the new security Architecture put in place by Governor Monday Okpebholo which led to the rescue of 16 travelers kidnapped on Friday evening.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement by the spokesperson of the group Comrade Victor Aigbangbe, the rescue of the kidnap victims barely 24 hours after they were kidnapped could only be a testament to the robust security plans recently put in place by the government.
The group acknowledged the role the new motorbikes donated to security agencies played in pursuing the suspects into the forest leading to the rescue, before the abductors got to their camps.
They said, “We are well aware of the kidnap of some travellers returning from Auchi to Benin, in the New Edo Line Bus, and another car on Friday Evening, and the sterling role played by security agencies led by the police in rescuing them, barely 24 hours.”
Aigbangbe noted that although insecurity is a national problem, the Monday Okpebholo administration has demonstrated enough capacity to prevent and respond appropriately to these issues to keep Edo people safe.
According to him, the quick response of security agencies in rescuing these victims has shown that with the right Investments in security, just as the Governor has done, the issue of insecurity could be tackled.
He added, “In recent times, we have seen tremendous investment in mobility for our security personnel, with the recent ones being the handing over of special motor bikes for forest combings.”
“This lastest intervention has proven to be the key in this rescue mission, giving Civil Society and Edo people the hope that security agencies now have the capacity to keep the state safe.”
The coalition also praised the commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika for keeping to his words of “a new dawn in policing the state” nothing that he has shown to Edo people that they could still rely on security agencies for the safety.
It added, “The CP has just proven that what was lacking was the right investment, which the governor Monday Okpebholo has changed. Now, we urged them to go into the bushes and chase these bad elements out of the state. The governor has given his matching orders. It is time the security agencies respond.”
Police had earlier confirmed that operatives, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, rescued 16 victims following the attack on a New Edo Line bus and a Toyota Camry between Odemwingie and Obanrenren communities.
In a statement, Edo police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu said tactical teams and community security groups carried out an intensive bush-combing operation that led to the successful rescue.
Yamu assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to promptly report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s.
