The House of Representatives has taken decisive action to address the escalating security concerns in Edo State, particularly the recent surge in killings attributed to suspected herdsmen. Prompted by a motion of urgent public importance, the House resolved to call upon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to bolster security presence in vulnerable communities, specifically highlighting the Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area, which has recently witnessed tragic loss of life due to these attacks.
This resolution underscores the growing alarm within the legislative body regarding the deteriorating security situation in Edo State, a region once renowned for its tranquility. The motion, sponsored by Mr. Marcus Onobun, a member representing Esan West/Esan East/Igueben Federal Constituency, painted a grim picture of a state grappling with an unprecedented wave of violence orchestrated by suspected herdsmen, transforming a peaceful haven into a hotbed of insecurity. Citing a report published in Leadership Newspaper, Onobun revealed a stark statistic: over 32 lives have been tragically lost due to the activities of these marauders.
The specific incident that triggered the urgent motion involved the brutal murder of two indigenous individuals in the Okpekpe community on February 24, 2025. This incident, coupled with a separate clash between cocoa farmers and Ijaw militants in Ovia South-West Local Government Area that reportedly claimed 28 lives, highlights the multifaceted nature of the security challenges plaguing the state. The House expressed grave concern over the cumulative effect of these violent incidents, emphasizing the climate of fear and uncertainty that has gripped the populace, significantly impacting their socio-economic well-being.
Underlying the House’s call for federal intervention is the perceived inability of the Edo State government to effectively contain the escalating violence. The frequency and intensity of these attacks seemingly overwhelmed the state’s security apparatus, prompting the House to implore the Federal Government to step in and provide the necessary support to curb this “ugly menace.” The resolution specifically urges the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional security personnel to reinforce the existing forces and to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance operations in identified flashpoints throughout the state.
This intervention by the House of Representatives signifies a critical step towards addressing the complex security challenges facing Edo State. The call for increased security presence, coupled with enhanced intelligence gathering, is aimed at restoring a sense of security and stability to the affected communities. Furthermore, the House’s action underscores the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities in tackling security threats that transcend local jurisdictions. By bringing this issue to national attention and demanding concrete action from the highest levels of law enforcement, the House seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Edo State.
The situation in Edo State serves as a microcosm of the broader security concerns facing Nigeria. The proliferation of armed groups, coupled with inter-communal conflicts, poses a significant challenge to the nation’s stability. The House of Representatives’ intervention in the Edo State crisis highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. This includes not only strengthening security forces and enhancing intelligence capabilities but also addressing the root causes of conflict, such as resource scarcity, land disputes, and ethnic tensions. Ultimately, a sustainable solution requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to promote peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development.
