As part of measures to enhance security in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, distributed 300 motorbikes to security agencies in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, made this disclosure through a statement issued on Wednesday.
Itua stated in the statement that while distributing the motorbikes to security agencies in the three senatorial districts of the state, the governor stated that criminals would have no hiding place in the state under his administration.
According to the statement, the commissioning, which took place at the Government House in Benin City, attracted top security and government stakeholders, including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika; Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu, among others.
The statement quoted the Okpebholo to have said that the motorbikes are specifically designed to support security agencies in accessing hard-to-reach terrains, particularly forest areas where criminal elements often seek refuge.
“We promised our people during the campaign that we would fight insecurity and restore peace to every part of Edo State. Today (Tuesday), we are fulfilling that promise. These bikes will be deployed across the senatorial districts and will help security agencies reach areas where vehicles cannot go.
“Let me be clear, criminals must leave Edo State. These motorbikes, along with other security technologies we are deploying, will make it very difficult for them to operate. We are not just equipping the system. We are maintaining it. These bikes will be properly serviced and supported to ensure continuous use” the governor said.
Speaking at the ceremony , the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, hailed the initiative as a “new dawn” in Edo’s security efforts, especially in tackling forest-based crimes like kidnapping.
“This is a great day in our fight against crime. With these motorbikes, we can now go deep into the forests where criminals hide. The days of impunity are over,” Agbonika said, just as he also called called on residents across the state to support security agencies by sharing credible information to aid crime prevention and investigation.
