Dr. Solomon Arase, chairman of the Police Service Commission,last week participated in a security summit held in Owan region of Edo State consequent upon a letter Owan Youth Council, a local youth group, wrote to President Tinubu, Dr. Arase, and the Inspector General of Police, asking them to complement the Edo State Government towards addressing the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Felix Esezobor, the principal lead of the Owan Youth Council, conveyed his promising expectations regarding the outcome of his communiqué in a conversation with the media in Benin City.
The OYC aspires to witness significant improvement by addressing their concerns, especially as Dr. Arase was involved in security consultations in Owan land, providing a beacon of hope.
With safety and security being fundamental human rights, Esezobor emphasized the necessity for the government to pay heed to these rights, which are clearly laid out in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Esezobor says, “We can’t venture onto our farms these days due to security concerns.”
The Owan Security Summit, was chaired by former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, and took place at the Minister Event Centre in Sabongidda Ora, Owan West, Edo State.
Participants included not only the chairman of the Police Service Commission and the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area but also military officials, media agents, representatives from the Department of State Security and other stakeholders, displaying holistic representation.
Bearing the responsibility of maintaining security in the region, Arase assured support for local hunters and vigilantes and encouraged local government heads to compensate these volunteers, thereby incentivising them.
On the current situation, Arase suggested a return to the conventional policing system, which relies heavily on local community members’ abilities to spot unfamiliar faces and potential threats and notify relevant authorities.
Dr Arase said since the introduction of the current police system in the country the various communities have lost focus of their primary roles as community police.
He said only the local people can identify strangers and criminals in their domains and report them to the police
Dr Arase mentioned that Owan land has a rich heritage that is marked by a commitment to development, education, and progress. He fondly recalls the time when Owan land was at the forefront of development and education in Edo State, known for its vibrant communities, thriving economy, and renowned educational institutions.
However, he acknowledges that the pace of development in Owan land has slowed down considerably due to numerous challenges, including infrastructural deficit and economic stagnation.
Despite these challenges, Dr Arase believes that Owan land has immense potential that can be unlocked by focusing on education. As a proud alumnus of the Holy Trinity Grammar School in Sabongida-Ora, Owan West LGA, he believes that education is a transformative tool that can build a brighter future for the generations to come. He plans to leverage his network within and outside the state to establish a Police Secondary School in Owan land, believing that education is not only a means of empowerment but also a tool for fostering peace, security, and social cohesion within communities.
Dr Arase is committed to working closely with the current administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to address the issue of cultism and cult-related killings in the state. He believes that security is paramount to the well-being of the people and that no effort should be spared in ensuring that Owan land remains safe and secure for all. He urges all stakeholders present to join hands with him in achieving these goals.
