By our reporter
BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for stronger collaboration between his administration and traditional rulers across the state’s 18 local government areas to combat insecurity and other criminal activities.
The governor made the appeal while receiving traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in the fight against crime, noting that their close ties with local communities place them in a strategic position to identify criminal elements and support security agencies.
“There are so many security challenges, and the best people to help me fight insecurity are the traditional rulers. You know your communities because you know those who live there and those coming into the area,” the governor said.
He observed that investigations into recent kidnapping incidents revealed the involvement of local collaborators who were familiar with the movements and financial status of residents.
“Our people know those who are wealthy and those who are not. They know the movement of people within the community. If we must stop insecurity in Edo State, we must work together to achieve this purpose,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo urged the royal fathers to ensure that criminality is neither encouraged nor shielded within their domains, stressing the need to guide young people away from crime.
“Let nobody encourage crime. Our children should not be involved. They should understand that crime is dangerous. The President is not happy about the security situation in the country, and I am not happy as well,” he said.
The governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election, expressing confidence that Edo State would deliver substantial votes for the President.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRM Anslem Edenojie II, passed a vote of confidence in Governor Okpebholo, commending his developmental initiatives across the state.
The monarch reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to working closely with the state government in promoting peace, enhancing security, and accelerating development across Edo State.