Edo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Condoles Family of Slain Doctor

Edo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Condoles Family of Slain Doctor

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other criminal activities, following the abduction and killing of medical doctor, Dr. Abu Momoh Tahir, in Auchi.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, painful, and deeply regrettable, the government said the killing does not diminish its resolve to sustain and intensify efforts aimed at restoring lasting security across the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick, the government acknowledged that kidnapping has become an existential security challenge requiring sustained and collective action. However, it stressed that significant investments and strategic interventions by the state have helped to prevent a worse security situation.

According to the statement, the Okpebholo-led administration has remained relentless in addressing security concerns, noting that the peaceful and crime-free yuletide celebrations across Edo State were a testament to the effectiveness of current security measures.

The government disclosed that, ahead of the festive period, operatives of Operation Rescue carried out extensive bush-combing operations across Auchi, Agenebode, Okpella, Fugar, and parts of Owan. These operations, it said, led to the discovery and destruction of several kidnappers’ hideouts, the arrest and ongoing prosecution of multiple suspects, and the neutralisation of some criminals during armed confrontations in forest locations.

“These efforts significantly reduced the frequency of kidnapping incidents in the affected areas and brought the menace to its lowest ebb,” the statement noted, adding that the administration remains determined to make Edo State unsafe for criminals and criminal activities.

The government expressed deep concern that the killing of Dr. Tahir occurred at a time when security agencies believed the state had entered a safer phase of its security operations. Nevertheless, it assured residents that it would continue to improve and expand its security strategies.

The Edo State Government also called on residents to support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, stressing that security is a collective responsibility between the government and the governed.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their communities to law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.

While condoling with the family of the late Dr. Abu Momoh Tahir, the government assured that those responsible for the crime would be tracked down and brought to justice.

“The perpetrators of this dastardly act will not escape the long arm of the law,” the statement concluded.