Obaseki Urges Military To End Bandits, Criminals In Edo Forests, Waterways

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has called for the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in ending banditry and criminality in Edo forests and waterways.

Naija News reports that the governor stated this on Tuesday when he received Irabor and other top military officers who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki commended Gen. Lucky Irabor for his continuous efforts at improving security in the country.

According to him, “You are one person that we are very proud of; apart from being a well-decorated officer, in a short while, you have taken charge of the defense functions through your network. We have been watching with admiration the way you are coping and thriving with the very difficult challenge of stabilizing the security of this country.

“We also want to use this opportunity to thank you and your officers for your continued sacrifice for this country. We know the challenges we are faced with in this country today. These challenges did not just start today; it’s been a long way coming.”

Obaseki pointed out that COVID-19 and the rapid degenerating economic circumstances that the country find itself is not making things easier.

He continued, “but in spite of these challenges, you are holding your own. For us as a government, our duty is to support you to the extent that we can.

“We appreciate the role and capacity which the military offers to us in this country. We have enjoyed cordial relationships with all the military formations in Edo. They have provided leadership in our joint effort with other security agencies in the state to stabilize security in the state.”

Obaseki, while calling for more collaboration with the military to improve security in Edo, said, “We have been able to record quite a lot of success in relation to what is going on in the rest of the country. We have some challenges and we would like you to support us. We are currently experiencing problems in some of our forests particularly the Okomu axis, which borders the Ose River.

“We find bandits and criminals coming there to undertake massive logging of woods and transport them; they now buy arms to reinforce their activities there. I am glad you came with all the men in the navy to see how you can give us additional support to patrol the waterways to checkmate the activities of these criminals.”

He further noted that in the last couple of weeks lifeless bodies have been found in the forest, which  he said is now a den for cultivation of cannabis.

Obaseki assured Irabor that the military can always count on the Edo state government to help in stabilizing the security situation in the country.