The Edo State Government has raised the alarm over alleged activities of bandits and terrorists in parts of the state.
DAILY POST reports that the Governor Godwin Obaseki raised the alarm when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, with top security chiefs in the state at the Government House in Benin City.
Obaseki said the bandits and terrorists bring arms to the state through the Ovia River and engage in all sorts of nefarious activities.
He said, “We have a few challenges like the one that relates to the maritime border, particularly the Ovia River axis where we have been having running battles with bandits and terrorists in the last few months.
“People are using the Ovia River to bring arms and engage in all sorts of nefarious activities. We will need more surveillance in that axis and your support.
“We need calm in that axis because we want to commence the development of the Benin River Port and it’s important to guarantee the safety and security of our partners that will be working in that axis.
“I thank you and your men for the security of the Benin Airport as our flights have increased tremendously.”
The governor, who restated the need for peace and security for the growth and development of any society, assured that his government would continue to partner with security agencies in the state.
He said the government would also support them to effectively deliver on their role of ensuring peace and order and protecting the lives and property of the citizens.
In his response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar commended, the governor for his developmental strides across the state, noting that having served in Edo in the past, he was impressed with the transformation of the state.
“Returning today as the 22nd Chief of Air Staff, I am highly impressed by Benin’s transformation into a modern and vibrant city that still retains its ancient charm that preserves the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
“The new face of Benin reflects your dedication to good governance, visionary leadership, and prioritization of infrastructural development in Edo State. The essence of my visit is to perform an oversight function on the operations and challenges of 107 Air Maritime Group in Benin City.
“I thank the government and people of Edo State for their cooperation and support all through the year. I appreciate you gesture, sacrifice, and love you have for the Air Force,” he stated.
Obaseki raises alarm over activities of bandits, terrorists in Edo