By Our Reporter
The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea, has called on local government councils across the country to adopt community-based security measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City,
Senator Ikpea expressed concern over the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that effective security strategies must be tailored to the peculiar needs of individual localities.
According to him, three security outposts he constructed in parts of Esan South-East Local Government Area during his tenure as chairman of the council are currently being used by security agencies in efforts to combat insecurity in the area.
The lawmaker noted that although the facilities were built at a time when security challenges were less pronounced, they have become critical assets in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes in Edo Central.
He disclosed that provisions have been made in the 2026 budget for the maintenance of the security outposts and other community-oriented projects.
“Before we were sworn in as chairman, funds had been saved by the council for capital projects. I initiated projects that addressed several needs, including security,” Ikpea said.
“If you are coming from Ubiaja, you will see one security post before the river leading to Ewatto because the road is isolated. I felt it was necessary to put one there.
Another was built before Ewatto, while a third was constructed in Ewohimi on the road to Onicha-Ugbo. Today, by the grace of God, these are the facilities being used by the Army.”
He emphasized that security, like politics, is local and urged local government chairmen to devise practical measures to address security challenges in their respective areas.
“All local government chairmen must look inwards and develop effective strategies to check the activities of criminals operating within their jurisdictions.
That was the thinking behind the construction of those security outposts at a time insecurity was not considered a major challenge,” he added.
The senator also highlighted other projects undertaken during his administration as council chairman, including the provision of potable water and electricity at the council secretariat.
“When I was chairman, there was no water in the council secretariat.
We had to fetch water from the prison yard. We constructed a borehole and secured an alternative source of electricity to power both the secretariat and the water facility,” he said.
Ikpea further stated that his administration built a magistrate court in Ubiaja from foundation to completion and supplied medical equipment to health centres across the local government area.
He also disclosed that as a member of the Board of the State Universal Basic Education Board>, he facilitated the renovation of public primary schools across the senatorial district and attracted the employment of 550 teachers into the state civil service.
The senator, who is the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election, commended Monday Okpebholo for his developmental efforts and pledged continued support for the implementation of projects captured in the state budget.
He added that since his inauguration in October 2025, he has facilitated the rehabilitation of a primary