By DADA AYOKHAI
The ongoing crisis of insecurity that has plagued Okpella and Agenebode has been brought to the forefront of the state assembly by Hon Kingsley Ogabi
In a motion of urgent public importance, Hon Ogabi who represents the Etsako East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly demanded immediate action from both the state government and the security agencies to swiftly deal with the situation as well as restore peace and confidence in the affected communities
The lawmaker’s mien during the debate of the motion showed clearly that he was, indeed, deeply concerned about the deteriorating and escalating security situation in Okpella, Agenebode, and the surrounding areas of Etsako East and tried to rally support for an urgent action to redress the situation
He revealed that the residents of the affected communities are living in a state of constant fear, stressing further that they were being held hostage by the criminal activities of these hoodlums who operate in the area unchallenged
Hon Ogabi painted a grim picture of the state of insecurity while also highlighting the tragic loss of eight officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were murdered in a confrontation with kidnappers
He added that four others suffered serious injuries in the brutal attack.
During the attack, four Chinese workers being escorted by the slain NSCDC officers were reported to have been kidnapped and later released after the payment of an undisclosed ransom
According to the lawmaker, the incident points to the urgent need for effective intervention and calls on the security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace and order in the affected communities
While the debate on the motion raged, none of the lawmakers’ colleagues from the Edo North district supported his motion or even acknowledged the similar security challenges faced in their own constituencies.
Interestingly, the lawmaker was able to garner support from other quarters, especially from Hon. Addeh Isibor, who represents the Esan North East 1 constituency and also serves as the Deputy Majority Leader.
Hon. Isibor emphasised the importance of competent leadership within the state security apparatus and the necessity for capable officers from both the police and military to lead the Edo State Security Corps.
He also advocated for collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence that could help in combating crime.
He also urged the security agencies in the state to conduct a thorough investigation of certain individuals who might be linked to the recent surge in kidnapping and other criminal activities, particularly through their unexplained wealth or unusual lifestyles.
Hon. Maria Edeko, representing the Esan North East 2 constituency, expressed her support for the motion.
She specifically urged security agencies to closely monitor local herbal vendors, commonly known as “agbo” sellers, alleging that many of them engage in the clandestine sale of dangerous and banned substances to criminals.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian from Ovia North East and Hon. Sunny Ojezele from Esan South East, also voiced their support for the motion before it was amended and adopted by the House.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sherrif Agbebaku, instructed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies that have benefited from Gov Okpevbolo’s donation of Hilux vehicles to urgently utilise these vehicles for patrols across the state rather than for other purposes.
He noted that this would significantly strengthen the fight against crime in the state and help curb the ongoing issues of kidnapping and violence.
