The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, said the state government had acquired eight bulletproof patrol vehicles to enhance security operations across the three senatorial districts.
Agbebaku revealed this during a security meeting organised by the House on Friday in Benin, noting that two of the vehicles had already been delivered.
He encouraged residents to assist security operatives with prompt information, stressing that cooperation remained vital in addressing increasing criminal incidents in the state.
“This meeting is aimed to strengthen security in the state and to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“Let me commend you all for your efforts. You’re doing your best, and we expect you to do more.
”The House is ready to collaborate with all security agencies to ensure our state is free from crime. Though it can’t be completely free, we aim to make it safe enough for our people to feel secure,” Agbebaku said.
Agbebaku observed that recent security challenges were worrying and appealed to citizens to support ongoing security efforts.
”We urge you to do your part, and we’ll do ours.
“Security agents are human, not magicians; we need to provide them with information to operate effectively,” he said.
Speaking after the meeting, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety, Marie Oligbi-Edeko, said the engagement focused on actionable steps for tackling emerging risks, including kidnappings and crimes related to mining activities.
She stressed the importance of improved coordination among security agencies, with the police leading efforts to drive a unified security framework.
“The stakeholders also examined the role of neighbourhood watch and modern security technology in enhancing security.
“The committee will work with security agencies to develop a blueprint for addressing security issues and identify areas where new laws may be necessary to detect and prevent criminal activities,” she said.
Members of the Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Edo Fire Service, and Edo Forestry Commission, among others, attended the meeting.
