Acting Governor of Edo state, Comrade Phillip Shaibu, yesterday said the government would strengthen its security architecture and review better strategies to guarantee the safety of and security of residents in communities across the state.
Comrade Phillip Shaibu made this assurance to reporters after an emergency State Security Council meeting at the Government House, Benin city.
The emergency meeting was due to the recent kidnap of two catholic priest along Benin- Auchi road at the Ekpoma axis of Edo state. Rev. Fr Udo of St. Patrick’s Catholic church, Uromi in Esan North-East local government area and Rev Fr Philomon Oboh of St. Joseph Retreat Centre Ugboha in Esan South East local government area are the latest victims of the increasing insecurity in the state.
Shaibu said;
“We are working to secure our churches and communities. We are looking beyond securing the churches alone but focusing on securing our communities and state.
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There is work in progress and we have discussed a whole lot of security issues and in the coming weeks, things will surely change in the state to ensure a secured environment for Edo people.”
Abutu Yaro the commissioner of police in the state, said the issue of security in the state has been the cause of the meeting and has been reviewed with measures been adopted to guarantee a safe and secured state.
“We wish to inform you and all persons in the state and beyond that the Edo State Government is on top of the situation and people should be reassured that despite the situation at the moment, the state is stable and under control” he said.
The commissioner added that the security agency is working tirelessly the secure the release of the abducted priests and bring the criminals to book.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Bishop Oyenude Kure also called on Christians in the state, urging them to support the government and put the state in prayers.