The daily torch media
The Edo State Government has come under fire for its prolonged silence following coordinated attacks by gunmen that left eight NSCDC officers dead and several individuals abducted across the state.
The attacks, which occurred on Friday, involved the hijacking of a New Edo Line Transport Company bus and a deadly ambush at the BUA Cement facility in Okpella, where the NSCDC officers were killed and a Chinese national was kidnapped.
Stakeholders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens have expressed outrage over the state government’s failure to issue a prompt statement or visit affected communities more than 24 hours after the incidents.
The Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) have condemned what they describe as the state government’s continued indifference to worsening security conditions, following the killing of eight NSCDC officers and multiple abductions by gunmen across Edo State.
Aliyu Umweni, Assistant Secretary-General of EDOCSO, criticized the government for prioritizing political ambitions over the safety of citizens. “The governor should, at this time, bother less with the 2027 elections and focus more on securing the lives of Edo people with the monthly security votes being collected,” he said.
EDOCSO called for urgent investment in “high-tech security equipment” and the formation of a “trained special squad” to respond swiftly to violent crimes. Umweni also challenged the Nigeria Police Force to shift focus from routine roadblocks in Benin City, which he described as “points of extortion and intimidation,” and instead direct efforts toward combating violent criminality.
Echoing these concerns, the Edo Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights urged the Federal Government to declare a “state of emergency” on insecurity in the state. In a joint statement, the coalition described Edo as “a tragic theatre of insecurity,” where citizens live in fear and lawlessness.
The governor’s silence is deafening,” the coalition said. “Edo people are not asking for miracles — they are demanding competence. They do not need more speeches, but a clear, concrete security strategy. Until that is provided, fear will deepen, and trust in leadership will continue to erode.
