Group flays rising insecurity in Edo, lauds Obaseki’s development strides

Edo United for Homeland Empowerment has expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in Edo State, saying incidences of kidnapping, cult-related killings and political thuggery have assumed an alarming proportion.

The group, in a statement by its president, Frank Ekhator, called on the citizens to support government and security agents in the fight against crime for peaceful coexistence in the state.

Ekhator, who noted the unabated kidnapping, cult-related killings and thuggery in Edo, said, “Edo United for Homeland Empowerment condemns such criminal and barbaric acts and call on the government and security agents to intensify efforts at nipping the problems in the bud.

“The organisation also called on the people of Edo to support their government and security agents in the fight against crime.

“We are not only concerned about this insecurity, but very much disturbed by the fact that our children living abroad who would love to travel with their parents to their roots to experience or fraternise with their relatives and friends are increasingly discouraged.”

While urging actors in the Edo political impasse to be more civil and respect constituted authority, the group advised politicians behind the crisis to” put the interest of the state above their selfish political and clannish interests.”

It, however, lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki’s development strides, pledging its support for the government’s desire to transform the state to become a business hub in the South South region.

Extolling Obaseki for the choice of Greg Ogbeifun, a marine engineer, to head the Benin River Technical Committee, Ekhator described him as “a fine testament of his work ethics and discerning ability to match competent people with task.”