… Launches special security squad to combat kidnapping, cultism in Edo
… Begins overhaul of urban water systems with Ugboha scheme revival
UDOMI – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was on Saturday accorded a rousing reception in his hometown of Udomi, Esan Central Local Government Area, following the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming him as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.
The Governor, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of party faithful, traditional groups, market women, youth leaders, and indigenes at Udomi Primary School, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support that followed him through the election and ensuing legal battles.
“I am happy that we have come this far,” the Governor declared.
“The battle is over. God has given us victory all around, and now it is time to focus on the task of development for Edo people.”
He acknowledged the consistent support and prayers of the people throughout the protracted post-election litigation, noting that the unanimous judgments from the Election Tribunal, Appeal Court, and finally the Supreme Court had all reaffirmed the people’s mandate.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to good governance, Okpebholo pledged to lead with transparency and accountability, while addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting the State.
“These are tough times,” he said, “but together, we shall overcome. We will not relent in bringing development to every part of Edo State.”
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by top government officials and party leaders, including the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor; Acting State APC Deputy Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh; Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebo; and the Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd).
Meanwhile, in a decisive move to curb the growing insecurity in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the establishment of a Special Security Squad code-named “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.”
The operation, initiated by the Office of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor, will be jointly coordinated by the PSO and the Chief Security Officer (CSO), and aims to eliminate the threats posed by criminal gangs, cultists, and kidnappers across the State.
The Governor’s approval, detailed in a formal memo dated July 11, 2025, comes amid rising public concern over the activities of armed groups operating in Benin City, Ekpoma, Auchi and surrounding communities, with frequent reports of abductions, extortion, and cult-related killings.
Since taking office, Governor Okpebholo has declared security a top priority, offering early amnesty to repentant cultists, some of whom have since joined local policing initiatives.
However, the persistence of organised criminal elements has now necessitated a more forceful strategy.
“Edo State must be safe again, for our children, for investors, and for those in the diaspora who wish to return and contribute,” the Governor stated, reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crime.
The new squad will comprise carefully screened operatives including ex-cultists who have renounced violence, community hunters, and local vigilantes.
These will be organised into mobile teams operating across the 18 local government areas of the State. Motorcycles and patrol vehicles are to be deployed to boost operational capacity.
Security agencies across the State have now been placed on high alert.
The Governor directed the PSO and CSO to implement the new operation with strict adherence to professionalism, community involvement, and transparency.
Also, Governor Okpebholo, has commenced a major overhaul of the state’s urban water infrastructure with the revival of the long-abandoned Ugboha Water Supply Scheme in Edo Central Senatorial District.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Uyi Ekhosuehi, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Ugboha facility over the weekend.
Ekhosuehi said the revival of the Ugboha scheme is the first step in a broader intervention to reactivate critical water systems across the three senatorial districts, aimed at tackling widespread water scarcity in the state.
He revealed that upon assuming office two months ago, his first assignment was a needs assessment of the Ugboha facility, a community which had endured prolonged water shortages due to the total collapse of its dam and treatment plant.
“The dam was down, the treatment plant non-functional, and substandard materials used in the original project, especially a poor mix of ductile iron and PVC pipes, led to extensive leakages and system failure,” Ekhosuehi explained.
Recognising the urgency, Governor Okpebholo promptly approved the procurement of durable and appropriate replacement pipes.
“The governor graciously gave the green light for new pipes, saying that Ugboha cannot host such a major project and still lacks water. That decision is what brought us here,” he said.
The new pipes have already been delivered, and excavation work has commenced, underscoring the administration’s swift and responsive approach to governance.
Beyond restoration, Ekhosuehi disclosed that the administration plans to increase the scheme’s output.
He noted that while the Ugboha River can produce up to 30 million litres of water daily, current output stands at a mere three million litres.
