By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State police command has approved Area Command status in Okpella ,Etsako East LGA as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the area.
The commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua stated this while briefing journalists on the preparation for the one year anniversary of the present administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo in office.
With the new Area Command in Okpella, Etsako East LGA now has two, joining Agenebode. This brings the total number of Area Commands in Edo North district to four, namely
Auchi, Agenebode, Igarra and Okpella
This development is expected to enhance security in the region.
The change of status of the police post along with setting up a military post are aimed to address the security situation in the Okpella area,.
Okpella recently made headlines after the abduction of white expatriates and the killing of civil defense corps members.
The state government according to the Commissioner has also established new Edo Security network commands in Edo North, Edo Central (around Uromi), and Edo South, with military assistance.
Additionally, 100 policemen were deployed to Okpella last week to combat kidnapping, and 2,500 recruits were trained and deployed to local governments to support community policing and information gathering.
According to Afegbua, ” Edo is sharing boundaries with quite a number of states, and they present themselves as exit routes to escape from being arrested, so they come in to commit the crime and escape to the other states. So we have put extra measures in place.”
“To enhance security, 400 motorcycles have been distributed to security agencies to help patrol bush paths and prevent kidnappers from escaping into neighboring states. The government aims to reduce insecurity to the lowest minimum.”
