The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, says the state government has ordered eight bulletproof trucks to enhance security patrols across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Agbebaku disclosed this at a security meeting convened by the House on Friday in Benin.

Agbebaku said that two out of the eight trucks had arrived.

The Speaker urged the public to provide security agencies with useful information to enable them tackle security challenges effectively.

He also called for seamless collaboration among security agencies.

Agbebaku commended the governor for providing necessary resources to support security efforts.

“This meeting is aimed to strengthen security in the state and to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Let me commend you all for your efforts. You’re doing your best, and we expect you to do more.

”The House is ready to collaborate with all security agencies to ensure our state is free from crime. Though it can’t be completely free, we aim to make it safe enough for our people to feel secured,” Agbebaku said.

He added that recent happenings were worrisome, and there was the need to interact.

”We urge you to do your part, and we’ll do ours.
Security agents are human, not magicians; we need to provide them with information to operate effectively, ” he said.

Addressing the journalists after the meeting , Mrs Marie Oligbi-Edeko, the Chairperson, House Committee on Security and Public Safety, said the aim of the meeting was to provide a practical approach to security issues.

Oligbi-Edeko emphasized the need for collaboration and synergy among security agencies to tackle insecurity.

She highlighted the importance of adopting a uniform approach to policing in the state, with the police taking the lead and working with other security agencies.

She told journalists that the meeting discussed emerging crimes, including kidnappings and crimes in mining areas, and how to explore strategies to address the challenges.

“The stakeholders also examined the role of neighbourhood watch and modern security technology in enhancing security.

“The committee will work with security agencies to develop a blueprint for addressing security issues and identify areas where new laws may be necessary to detect and prevent criminal activities,” she said.

The member representing Esan West Constituency, Mr Jonathan Ibhamawu, who is also a member of the committee , noted that intelligence gathering and strategies were discussed.

Security agencies, including the Police, Army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo Fire Service, Edo Forestry Commission, among others, were in attendance at the meeting.