Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has handed over 10 new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating across the Edo Central Senatorial District.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, on Saturday in Benin.

Okpebholo said the move would strengthen internal security, restore peace and reaffirm his administration’s zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

He said the presentation, held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, drew traditional rulers, security chiefs, political leaders and community representatives from Esan.

According to the governor, the initiative was strategic and aimed at equipping frontline personnel to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging security threats.

“This is not just about handing over vehicles; it is about understanding what our security personnel face on the ground and responding directly.

“Security is the foundation of development, and we will not compromise the safety of our people,” Okpebholo said.

He urged security groups to work closely with local government chairmen to ensure effective implementation of security strategies.

“The names of Edo State Security Corps, hunters and anti-cultism members must be submitted for profiling and payroll enrolment to enable salary payments across all 18 local councils,” he said.

Okpebholo said a committee earlier trained 2,500 security corps personnel to complement existing Edo State Security Corps members statewide.

“With this number, we should have over 300 security personnel in each local government area,” the governor added.

Representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben and Esan South East highlighted operational challenges facing security agencies.

They listed logistics gaps, poor equipment, herdsmen-related threats, intelligence deficiencies and the need for improved mobility and communication tools.

Director of Operations, Edo State Security Corps, Mr Richard Balogun, said salaries for operatives had been approved, ending months of uncertainty.

Balogun commended the state government’s renewed commitment to crime-fighting and the welfare of personnel operating in high-risk environments.

Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Maj.-Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), urged sustained logistical support, intelligence tools and adequate operational funding.

He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to profile suspicious persons and vehicles entering their communities.

The Onojie of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, praised Okpebholo’s leadership, describing the security approach as “practical, inclusive and results-driven”.

He said Esan traditional rulers and diaspora leaders were concluding plans to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund.

“This is a collective responsibility. Our people must sleep with their eyes closed, knowing their safety is guaranteed,” Aidenojie added.