Okpebholo Sets Five-Minute Security Response Target for Edo

By Kingsley Ohens

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has set a five-minute response target for security agencies in the state, assuring residents that his administration is implementing measures to enable prompt intervention whenever security threats arise.

The Governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for residents.

Okpebholo said his administration was working to strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies across Edo.

According to him, dedicated emergency telephone numbers would soon be made available to the public, providing residents and other persons in distress with direct channels to seek immediate security assistance.

“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next one month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state,” the Governor said.

He said the administration’s broader objective was to leave Edo safer than it met it, stressing that concerted efforts would continue against kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the church for its prayers and support for his administration, noting that he was pleased to be a member of Winners Chapel.

He reiterated that his administration remained committed to creating an environment where residents could live peacefully, pursue their livelihoods and conduct businesses without fear.

The Pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the Governor for what he described as his developmental agenda and efforts to improve the state across various sectors.

Ebiye also expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution to members.

“We appreciate your transformation, development and growth experience across all sectors in the state. I pray for grace to be with you. Thank you for all you are doing for Edo people,” he said.

The Governor and his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, also along Sapele Road, where the General Overseer, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would be peaceful and that Nigeria would remain united.

Osazuwa urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as prophecies of doom concerning the country, stressing that elections would come and go while the nation would continue its journey as a united country.

The cleric also encouraged Christians to acquire relevant skills and engage in productive activities that would enable them contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.

He equally called on government leaders to prioritise human capital development, citing scholarship opportunities he benefited from during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Edo State Governor, Chief Ambrose Alli, as examples of how investment in education could transform lives and build society.

Speaking on infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo disclosed that the procurement process for the construction of several roads across the state was nearing completion, with contractors expected to mobilise to sites shortly.

He referred to some of the roads as “mechanics and peanut roads,” explaining that contractors would be expected to continue construction activities through the rainy season in order to accelerate project delivery and minimise delays.

The Governor also said his administration was making progress in its efforts to tackle insecurity across Edo, while urging residents to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okpebholo also linked the removal of fuel subsidy to improvements in road infrastructure across the country, urging citizens to remain supportive of efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s infrastructure and economic challenges.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State.