Okpebholo Sets Five-Minute Security Response Target for Edo
By Ojo Evans
Governor says dedicated emergency lines will soon be unveiled as government intensifies fight against kidnapping, robbery
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a security response system capable of deploying security agencies to emergencies within five minutes anywhere in the state.
The governor made the disclosure on Sunday during a service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City, assuring residents that his administration would continue to take decisive measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property.
According to Okpebholo, the state government is working towards making Edo significantly safer within the next one month, with dedicated emergency telephone numbers expected to be released to the public to facilitate rapid responses to security threats.
«“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next one month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state,” the governor said.»
He said the administration’s ultimate goal was to leave Edo safer than it found it by intensifying the fight against kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities. He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that residents could live peacefully and conduct their businesses without fear.
The governor expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of Winners Chapel for their prayers and support for his administration, noting that he was pleased to be a member of the church.
The church’s pastor, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his developmental initiatives and efforts to improve the state, praying for continued grace and success in his administration. He also thanked the governor for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution to members.
“We appreciate your transformation, development and growth experience across all sectors in the state. I pray for grace to be with you. Thank you for all you are doing for Edo people,” Ebiye said.
Okpebholo and members of his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International along Sapele Road, where the General Overseer, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would be peaceful and that Nigeria would remain united.
Osazuwa urged Nigerians to reject what he described as prophecies of doom concerning the country, stressing that elections would come and go without threatening the continuity of the nation.
He also encouraged Christians to acquire relevant skills and engage in productive ventures that would enable them contribute to Nigeria’s economic development. The cleric called on government leaders to prioritise human capital development, citing scholarships he received during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ambrose Alli as examples of the transformative power of education.
On infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo disclosed that the procurement process for the construction of several roads, including what he described as “mechanics and peanut roads,” was nearing completion.
He said work would commence shortly, adding that contractors would be expected to continue construction through the rainy season in order to accelerate the delivery of the projects to Edo residents.
The governor also maintained that his administration was making progress in the fight against insecurity, while urging residents to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He linked the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy to improvements in road infrastructure and other ongoing developments across the country.