Edo Acting Governor Meets Security Chiefs Over Kidnap Of Catholic Priests [Photos]

The Edo State Acting Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Monday, met with security chiefs in the South-South state over the abduction of two Catholic priests.

Recall that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had abducted Reverend Fathers Uboh Philemon of St. Joseph Retreat Centre and Rev. Fr. Udom Peter of Uromi Catholic Church, both of Ugbokha, Esan South East LGA, Edo State.

Naija News reports that the Catholic priest were abducted when returning to their parish after an event on Saturday.

Speaking to newsmen after an emergency State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, Benin City, Shaibu said the government is strengthening its security architecture.

He stated that the present administration is also reviewing strategies to guarantee the safety and security of residents across communities in the state.

The Acting governor said, “We are working to secure our churches and communities. We are looking beyond securing the churches alone but focusing on securing our communities and state.

“There is work in progress and we have discussed a whole lot of security issues and in the coming weeks, things will surely change in the state to ensure a secured environment for Edo people.”

On his part, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Abutu Yaro, said the security situation of the state has been reviewed at the Security Council meeting and measures have been adopted to secure and make the state safe for all.

He noted, “We have just finished our emergency Security Council meeting and have reviewed the security situation at the moment and the overall security of the state and have adopted measures that are relevant to the needs of the moment and that of the future.

“We wish to inform you and all persons in the state and beyond that the Edo State Government is on top of the situation and people should be reassured that despite the situation at the moment, the state is stable and under control.”

Yaro added that security agencies in the state are working round the clock to secure the release of the kidnapped catholic priests.

Also, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Edo State, Bishop Oyenude Kure called for prayers from Christians in the state, urging them to support the government’s efforts at improving security across the state.