By: Peace udugba -The daily torch media
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns over rising criminal activities in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, revealing that findings by security agencies indicate that many of those involved are natives of the community.
The governor made the disclosure while addressing security challenges affecting the university town, which hosts Ambrose Alli University and several surrounding communities, and has recently recorded incidents linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Okpebholo spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Ekpoma that brought together students of Ambrose Alli University, government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other key stakeholders within the local government area.
The meeting was convened to discuss the prevailing security situation, community responsibility, and the role of residents in tackling criminal activities in the area.
During the engagement, the governor explained that reports available to the state government were based on investigations carried out by security agencies operating in and around Ekpoma.
He noted that the findings contradicted the assumption that criminal elements were mainly outsiders, adding that arrests made during security operations pointed to a different reality within the host communities.
According to the governor, several kidnapping cases recorded in Ekpoma were traced to local networks rather than external groups.
He further disclosed that night patrols and security operations involving soldiers and other agencies in forested areas around the town led to the arrest of suspects identified as indigenes of Ekpoma.
