PDP Governor hails military, others for improved safety
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has hailed the military and other security forces for their sustained collaboration with the state government, to ensure a formidable security architecture that guarantees the protection of lives and property.
He said security agencies had also ensured the safety of businesses and investments.
Obaseki spoke when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, who led other top military personnel on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin.
He said: “We want to thank your men for the support and assistance they continue to render to us in Edo to secure our state. The Brigade Command and your men in Benin, and across the state are very active players in our security council and security architecture. We have enjoyed a very warm and cordial relationship with them, and we will do all to make sure they are comfortable.
“I thank you for giving the permission for the Army to be part of the squad that is training our vigilance network, as we have just completed the training of 1,500 of our men. From inception, the military has been part of designing the programme, helping us with the screening and things we need to do properly.
“Please, thank the Chief of Army Staff for the approval we received to build Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Edo State. The FOB in Ehor is almost ready, and we will like to go through you, to ask that he comes to inaugurate what he has started.
“That deployment has helped us tremendously in Edo State, because before the deployment, the incident of kidnapping in that axis of the road was bad. We have now seen the direct benefits of having the military support for our security efforts.
“We also want to thank the Chief of Army Staff and tell him that when he comes, he should take the opportunity to do the second foundation laying for the FOB at Sobe, on Benin-Akure Road, which has been approved, and also the operations taken in that axis, which has been very successful, reducing incidence of kidnapping and activities of bandits in that area.”
Obaseki said his administration was anxious to start the building of the FOB at Sobe, so that soldiers could be stationed there.
He said: “Unfortunately, some of the bandits displaced from this area (Sobe) have moved up Edo North Senatorial District, towards the Akoko-Edo axis, and increased crime incidents in the areas.
“We thank you for the operation you have commenced this week. I am sure you will help us to get more resources from the Auchi Brigade to support the efforts in that area.”
Okoro hailed Edo governor for his support, and the conducive environment created for the officers and men of the military to effectively perform their duties of securing lives and property in the state.
