Governor Monday Okpebholo called a high-stakes security meeting in Iyamho, located in Etsako West Local Government Area, on Monday in an audacious attempt to address the escalating security worries in Edo State.
A wide range of powerful individuals, including political heavyweights, religious and traditional leaders, senior security officials, and important stakeholders, came together for the event with the goal of developing practical answers to Edo North’s security problems.
The goal of the closed-door meeting, according to a statement signed by Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, and provided to Naija News on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, was to reduce regional insecurity.
Following the meeting, Governor Okpebholo made it plain that, under his direction, criminal actors would not be able to hide in Edo. He warned that he would deal harshly with all criminal elements and make sure they had no place to hide in the state.
The governor declared, “Criminal elements will not succeed in distabilizing Edo State under my watch.” “He pledged to take decisive action against them and render the State uninhabitable for their operations.”
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor and current senator representing Edo North, Minister for Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, and two former deputy governors, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu, were among those present.
Religious leaders, traditional leaders, and top security personnel were also in attendance, along with prominent individuals including former President Mike Ogiadomeh’s chief of staff and former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Clem Agba.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the urgent need to restore peace and stability throughout Edo, particularly on the northern axis, was what made the meeting necessary.
According to him, a wide range of esteemed leaders participated in the discussions in order to consider the difficulties and suggest constructive solutions.
“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders. The closed door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he said.
Comrade Oshiomhole commended Governor Okpebholo’s direct engagement approach, stating that it showcased genuine concern for the welfare and safety of the people.
He remarked, “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.”
He further added, “The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all.”
Oshiomhole also disclosed that Governor Okpebholo had already equipped security agencies with vehicles and motorbikes to strengthen their operations.
“The Governor recognized that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.
“The Governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a Governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the Governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he added.
Also lending his voice, Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, applauded the inclusive dialogue and encouraged collaborative action.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he said.
A prominent traditional ruler from Edo North, His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, described the meeting as a milestone for the region. He highlighted the resolve of traditional rulers to actively partner with law enforcement in combating crime.
He said, “Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all.”
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