• 60 Days in office
• Development
• Edo State
• Okpebholo

EDO RESIDENTS HAIL GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO FOR SAFEST YULETIDE SEASON IN A DECADE

• 

  Nicolas Adekeye / 3 months
• 0
• 3 min read

Residents across Edo State have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his security reforms, describing the 2024 Yuletide season as the safest in nearly a decade. The accolades came when residents assessed the Governor’s first 60 days in office. The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, highlighted the Governor’s firm stance against cultism and thuggery, which residents credited with ending inter-cult wars that had claimed over 100 lives between September and early November 2024. Itua noted that residents were impressed by the Governor’s strong leadership in tackling the security crisis. A Benin City resident praised Governor Okpebholo, saying, “Governor Okpebholo has shown strong leadership in tackling the security crisis. His decisive action has restored peace to areas that were previously overrun by cult-related violence.” Another respondent emphasized the significance of these efforts, saying, “For the first time in years, we can walk freely without fear. The difference is clear, and we are grateful for his proactive measures.” This year’s festive season was notably peaceful, with minimal reports of kidnapping and other crimes. Many attributed the improvements to the Governor’s leadership and ongoing road rehabilitation efforts that eased travel across the state. An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) remarked: “The Yuletide season recorded fewer accidents compared to previous years. This is largely due to the governor’s quick intervention in repairing bad spots on our roads, which made travel safer for everyone.” Fred Itua further noted that Governor Okpebholo convened a meeting with heads of security agencies on November 19, 2024, just days after his inauguration. The meeting resulted in a directive to intensify the fight against cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The Governor also prioritized fixing critical road networks, including the notorious Obadan Junction on the Benin-Ekpoma Road. Itua stated that the repairs have drastically reduced crime in these areas and allowed economic activities to gradually pick up. Marketplaces have also benefited from the Governor’s reforms. The ban on market unions and thugs posing as revenue collectors has created a peaceful atmosphere for traders. A market woman in Benin City expressed her relief, saying, “We can now do business without harassment or unnecessary fights caused by ticket collectors. The markets are peaceful and feel like a new beginning.” Residents further called on Governor Okpebholo to sustain the momentum and extend his pragmatic approach to other sectors. “We are impressed with what the governor has achieved in such a short time. He should continue to build on this foundation and make Edo State a model of progress and security,” a resident concluded.