By Seyi Babalola
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has pledged to work with security authorities to eliminate criminal groups in the state.
The governor made the commitment while receiving Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, who was on a courtesy visit to Benin City’s Government House.
He stated that the state government would not tolerate a repeat occurrence of what occurred in the Okomu region when Okaigheles and militant groups shot at troops, and that the state government is working with all security agencies to pursue all individuals involved in the incident.
“I have been privileged this morning to receive, in our office, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu. He is on an inspection of his area of command.
“The military has been of great support to our security efforts in Edo State. The Brigade Commander is a member of our State Security Council, and they have provided tremendous backup and support to the other security agencies in the state.
“Last week, we had an unfortunate incident in the Okomu area where militants and some community youths shot at some soldiers, and fortunately, there were no casualties. We are going after all those involved in the incident.
“We will not accept the level of arms build-up by cultists and Okaigheles in Edo State, and the Edo State Government wants to reiterate that, with the backing of the military, we will go after criminal gangs who are constituting a nuisance in Edo State and building up arms to terrorize citizens,” he noted.
