The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, said the State Government has procured eight bulletproof patrol trucks to strengthen security operations across the three senatorial districts.

Agbebaku disclosed this at a security meeting convened by the House on Friday in Benin, adding that two of the trucks had already arrived.

He urged residents to support security agencies with timely information, stressing that collaboration remained crucial to tackling rising criminal activities in the state.

“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 secure,” Agbebaku said.

Agbebaku noted that recent security incidents were worrisome and called on citizens to complement security efforts.

“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.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety, Marie Oligbi-Edeko, said the session focused on practical strategies for addressing emerging threats, including kidnappings and crimes linked to mining activities.

She emphasised the need for better synergy among security agencies, with the police taking the lead in coordinating a unified approach to policing.

“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.

Members of the Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Edo Fire Service, and Edo Forestry Commission, among others, attended the meeting. (The PUNCH)

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