Obaseki condemns attack on policemen in Edo

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has condemned the attack on some policemen on patrol at a checkpoint in the state by suspected kidnappers.

This is coming less than a week after the governor revealed that 135 lives were lost to cultism and communal clashes between June and December 2023 in the state.

Obaseki, who did not disclose where the incident happened, condemned the attack on the policemen during a security meeting at the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in Benin City.

The governor also expressed worry over the alleged arson and assault on security agencies during a burial by some persons in Oja village in Edo North Senatorial District.

Obaseki, who said the incident occurred last Saturday, noted that his government could no longer fold its hands and allow a breakdown of law and order in the state as appropriate actions will be taken.

“We heard some kidnappers took over a checkpoint and attacked some policemen on patrol, but none lost their lives in the incident and this has prompted the government to commence a total revamp of the vigilante structure.

“We all are aware of the security challenges in the state, particularly in Edo North, where in the guise of burial some citizens resorted to arson and assault on security agencies in Oja village.

“Government can’t fold its hands and allow a breakdown of law and order in the state as appropriate actions will be taken and we have resolved to deal with what happened last Saturday.

“We will not accept a situation where citizens attack members of the security agencies, it’s not acceptable. As a government, we will deal with those involved in the incident,” he said.