Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the February 21 killings in seven communities of Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The governor made this commitment during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities, where he assured residents of his administration’s dedication to restoring peace and security.
Addressing community members, Governor Okpebholo condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of criminality that will not go unpunished under his leadership.
He pledged to facilitate the establishment of a police outpost to prevent future violence and ensure sustained security in the region.
“From the testimonies I have heard and the investigations conducted, these are criminals who invade your farms to steal the crops you have laboured for. As a government, we will go after them. I assure you that you will live here in peace.
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“Our actions will prove that lasting peace is coming. No individual should be more powerful than an entire community—burning houses and killing people just to steal farm produce. Wherever they are hiding, we will hunt them down, bring them to justice, and ensure that peace prevails,” the governor declared.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, emphasizing that government intervention was underway.
“I understand your pain, but I urge you to take heart. Do not fight anyone or resort to violence. Maintain the peace as you have been doing. I assure you that we will work here so you can feel the presence of the government and experience real development.
“We have already deployed soldiers to the area, and we now have three additional Operation Rescue patrol vehicles to support them. Once I return to Benin, I will liaise with the Commissioner of Police to expedite the establishment of a police outpost to ensure sustained security,”* he stated.
As part of his peace-building efforts, Governor Okpebholo also met with leaders and members of Gbelebe, a neighbouring Ijaw community, calling for unity and assuring them of government support.
“My core mission as Governor is to restore peace and bring development. Without peace, there can be no progress. These killings and conflicts must stop.
“This is a large community with no roads and no electricity, and yet, instead of focusing on development, criminality persists. I assure you that my administration will gradually bring meaningful development here,” he promised.
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Community leaders from Madoti and Gbelebe recounted that the crisis began when hoodlums attempted to steal farm produce from farmers in Madoti’s settlements but were confronted by a newly formed local vigilante group.
They decried the long-standing threat of farm theft and called on the governor to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, ensuring that farmers can work without fear of attacks.
