Orhionmwon Council Boss Convenes Security Summit, Revives Abandoned Road Network in Ukpato Ward

The Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Hon. Thompson Osagie, has convened a high-powered security peace meeting and simultaneously commenced extensive road reconstruction works in Ukpato Ward as part of his administration’s renewed push to tackle insecurity and drive grassroots development. The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Dennis Ugbudian, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The strategic security meeting, held at the Council Secretariat in Abudu, attracted a wide spectrum of participants including top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, youth leaders, clergy, and representatives of various security outfits operating within the local government. Notable attendees included the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Uhunmwangho; Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Francis Odigie; Director of Administration and General Services, Comrade Victor Ogiemwanre; Chief Security Officer, SP Augustine Bestman Asenoguan (Rtd); Divisional Police Officers from Abudu, Ugo, Urhonigbe, and Igbanke; as well as officials of the DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Edo State Security Corps, traditional leadership, youth bodies, faith-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.

In his opening address at the security summit, Hon. Osagie emphasized the urgent need for synergy among security agencies and communities to combat the resurgence of criminal activities, particularly kidnapping. “We must work collectively to address the security challenges confronting Orhionmwon. Everyone here has a critical role to play. While we have made progress in curbing herdsmen-related crises, kidnapping has resurfaced, especially in Orhionmwon South. This is unacceptable and demands immediate, coordinated action,” he stated. The Chairman highlighted alarming incidents along the Ugboko Niro–Ugo axis, describing the area as a major flashpoint where criminal elements exploit the terrain and pipeline corridors to perpetrate kidnappings with increasing boldness.

Hon. Osagie expressed concern over lapses in response by some security operatives and called for renewed commitment, intelligence sharing, and operational efficiency. He also raised concerns over persistent boundary-related tensions between Edo and Delta communities around the Evboesi axis, describing acts of harassment and illegal revenue collection by individuals from neighboring areas as provocative. Responding to logistical challenges raised by security chiefs, the Chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of vigilante operations, describing them as poorly coordinated and lacking discipline despite receiving salaries from the council. “If they are unwilling to work responsibly, we will have no choice but to disengage them. Security is too important to be compromised,” he warned. He disclosed that bush clearing operations would commence in identified flashpoints, critical roads would be rehabilitated, additional vigilantes deployed to high-risk areas, and community sensitization campaigns intensified.

In his closing remarks at the security meeting, Hon. Osagie charged all participants to translate deliberations into concrete actions. “As stakeholders, the safety of our people rests in our hands. Let us replicate the resolutions reached here and remain committed to safeguarding lives and property. Together, we can restore peace and stability in Orhionmwon,” he concluded. Ugbudian noted that the meeting ended with stakeholders pledging sustained collaboration.

Concurrently, the Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development with the commencement of extensive road reconstruction and grading works in Ukpato Ward. The project focuses on the long-abandoned Obozogbe Niro–Sokponba District Road, which had remained in a deplorable state for over fifteen years, linking key communities such as Aideyanba, Evbosa, Pamol Nigeria Ltd, and adjoining areas. With the deployment of heavy-duty construction equipment already underway, residents say the once-neglected corridor is being restored to life, rekindling hope and opening up opportunities for trade, mobility, and community growth. The development has drawn commendations for both Hon. Thompson Osagie and the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose support in providing construction equipment has made such interventions possible.

Speaking on behalf of the people, the Councillor representing Ukpato Ward 06, Hon. Glory Obazee, popularly known as Mama B, expressed profound gratitude. “This road has been a major challenge for our people for over fifteen years. Accessing our communities was a nightmare, especially during the rainy season. We struggled on our own to maintain it, often at great cost. Today, we are witnessing a complete turnaround. This intervention has brought relief, restored dignity, and renewed our hope,” she said. She further praised Hon. Osagie as a results-driven leader, fondly referred to by locals as “the ‘Talk and Do’ Chairman.”

Also lending his voice, Comrade Evans Ode Emwinghare described the project as unprecedented. “This road was practically abandoned, and transport challenges made life difficult for our people. Today, everything has changed. The intervention has brought relief and renewed confidence in governance. If this is the only project executed here, it is more than enough to earn our appreciation,” he said. Comrade Harrison Ekhomongiazin lauded the Chairman and the Governor for what he termed a “timely rescue mission,” noting that the road serves as a strategic link connecting several communities, including parts of neighbouring Delta State. “This is a historic moment for our people. For years, we had lost hope, but today, development has found its way back to us. This road holds immense economic potential and will significantly improve the livelihoods of our people,” he remarked.

Responding to the outpouring of appreciation, Hon. Osagie thanked the people of Ukpato Ward for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to deliver meaningful development across all twelve wards of Orhionmwon Local Government. He assured residents that the ongoing road project is only a glimpse of greater achievements ahead. Dennis Ugbudian further confirmed that the Chairman has directed immediate implementation of all security resolutions while construction work continues at an accelerated pace on the Obozogbe Niro–Sokponba District Road.