The Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, which has been on since 2016, has been acknowledged for its efforts towards developing Edo State; from economic revolution, infrastructural development and institutional reforms to social welfare enhancement, environmental sustainability and culture and tourism. The state’s economy has reportedly grown by 140 percent under his leadership, from $10 billion in 2016 to over $25 billion by 2023.
The current situation, with the arrival of the governor-elect, has raised concerns from residents about his ability to maintain stability and promote economic growth. Will there be further development? Or will there be a drastic drawback in the present development? These are the questions residents are asking themselves.
Since the governorship election, lawlessness in the state appears to be growing following the transition of leadership, and is raising concerns from residents, sparking worries about the consequences of change.
Since the announcement of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor-elect, there has been a noticeable shift in the state’s atmosphere. Crime rate appears to be on the rise with reports of increased armed robberies, kidnapping, and cult-related violence has flooded the streets. The ‘agberuos’ are back on the streets to collect money. These activities are therefore exposing residents to insecurity of all kinds. The absence of a security body, the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), to respond to distress calls is deeply missed as security bodies, vigilantes and patrol officers have been taken off checkpoints in the Benin City metropolis. In recent times, a few residents have attested to being victims of robbery in different areas of Edo State even at early hours of the day, surprisingly.
Reportedly, last Friday, at about 8:45pm, a witness beheld an ongoing robbery around College Road, off Ekehuan Road. “These robbers were moving from shop to shop, picking up things, disturbing the peace and quiet of the environment”, he said. A stampede emerged following the commencement of the operation, scaring people who were around the scene and the shop owners themselves.
According to some students of the University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus, this is not a new thing and is the pattern as its residents try their best to be security conscious. Four students, Miss Ruth, Miss Didi, Miss Mercy and Miss Blessed attested to being victims of College Road robbery at different times. Miss Ruth, Miss Didi and Miss Mercy were together the day the event happened.
“We were walking home from school from where we went to charge our phones when two buses pulled up in front of us, demanding for our phones and money, which we submitted”, Miss Ruth stated.
“We were so scared, we couldn’t even argue, we just gave them what they wanted and they left”, Miss Mercy supported.
“We’ve been too scared to follow the same route where we were robbed since then”, she further stated. This makes it clear that the incident has left a scar on its victims. They also reported a criminal walking into their compound, tearing the nets of occupants, and stealing their property.
“We were able to get hold of him because our neighbour was outside at the time. He called the attention of all of us, thereby chasing the thief away making his operation an unsuccessful one”, Miss Ruth stated. The victims also stated that there are many other students who have experienced similar and even worse experiences in that area.
But, these crimes are not limited to only College Road or students of the university. The presence of security is a necessity as it also plays an active role in the stability of the economy. Business owners are also lamenting the negative impact of insecurity on trade and commerce, leading to decreased economic activity. Shops have to close earlier than usual because of these risks. Many parts of Edo State now bear the brunt of lawlessness ranging from wrong parking, beating traffic lights and regulations to illegal extortion from touts.
As Edo residents navigate this uncertain period, they urge the governor-elect to prioritize security and economic development. The state’s progress under previous leadership serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and stability, and citizens hope that Okpebholo administration will address the current challenges and restore Edo State’s prosperity.
Amanda is a 300-level student of the University of Benin
