Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, distributed 300 motorbikes to enhance security in the state.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua.
While distributing the motorbikes to security agencies in the three senatorial districts of the state, the governor stated that criminals would have no hiding place in the state under his administration.
The commissioning, which took place at the Government House in Benin City, attracted top security and government stakeholders, including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika; Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu, among others.
Okpebholo said the motorbikes are specifically designed to support security agencies in accessing hard-to-reach terrains, particularly forest areas where criminal elements often seek refuge.
The governor said, “We promised our people during the campaign that we would fight insecurity and restore peace to every part of Edo State. Today (Tuesday), we are fulfilling that promise. These bikes will be deployed across the senatorial districts and will help security agencies reach areas where vehicles cannot go.
“Let me be clear, criminals must leave Edo State. These motorbikes, along with other security technologies we are deploying, will make it very difficult for them to operate. We are not just equipping the system. We are maintaining it. These bikes will be properly serviced and supported to ensure continuous use.”
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, hailed the initiative as a “new dawn” in Edo’s security efforts, especially in tackling forest-based crimes like kidnapping.
Agbonika said, “This is a great day in our fight against crime. With these motorbikes, we can now go deep into the forests where criminals hide. The days of impunity are over.”
He called on residents across the state to support security agencies by sharing credible information to aid crime prevention and investigation.
This came a few months after 16 Fulani hunters were killed in Uromi, Esan North LGA, Edo State.
The victims, who claimed to be hunters, were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were accosted around 1.30pm in Udune Efandion community by local security.
Upon searching the vehicle, dane guns were reportedly discovered, which triggered the mob attack and the victims were lynched.
President Bola Tinubu and some governors, however, condemned the gruesome murder.
While the President ordered a manhunt for the killers, the governors joined in demanding justice for the victims.
