Gov. Okpebholo orders security reinforcement following Ovia, Okpekpe killings

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state has condemned the recent attacks on seven farming communities in Ovia-South West Local Government Area, which resulted in the loss of 22 lives and widespread destruction of property.

The governor also denounced the killing of two farmers, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area, by suspected armed herdsmen.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua said the devastating attack on seven farming communities in Ovia South West, which left 22 people dead, and several others injured were allegedly carried out by militants who also destroyed buildings and farm produce worth millions of naira.

“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State, we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice, and we will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future”, Gov. Okpebholo stated.

The statement further revealed that Governor Okpebholo has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas and the provision of support to the affected communities.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Edo State residents, we will work closely with the security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to achieve this goal.”

The Governor has also called on the people of Edo State to remain calm and to cooperate with the security agencies as they work to address the crisis.

“We urge everyone to remain calm and to go about their normal business, we are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control”, the statement concluded.