By IMELDA OSAYANDE

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered regular surveillance along major highways and communities in the state, following threats of impending bandit attacks.

Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

The statement added that following the governor’s directive, the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilance formations, and the Edo Special Security Squad, had commenced intensive operations across forests, boundary communities, and known flashpoints.

It assured residents of the state of adequate security for lives and property.

It read in part, “The attention of the Edo Government has been drawn to a trending video circulating on social media.

“The video featured a self-acclaimed bandit issuing threats and claiming presence around Ekpoma and adjoining communities in Edo Central Senatorial District.”

Itua explained that since Okpbeholo assumed office, he had treated security as “a top priority and has left no stone unturned in confronting emerging threats”.

According to him, over the past few weeks, the governor has held continuous strategic security briefings and activated a state-wide surveillance architecture covering key corridors.

“These corridors include the Benin-Auchi Expressway, Ekpoma-Uromi Road, Ehor-Iruekpen Axis, Benin Bypass, and the Ewu-Irua-Ubiaja Route, Benin-Afuze-Auchi corridor, among others.

“The measures are designed to ensure early detection, swift response, and sustained pressure against criminal networks,” Itua stated.

He added that “search-and-comb missions are ongoing, backed by enhanced intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols to deny criminal elements safe haven anywhere within the state”.

He explained that already, significant breakthroughs had been recorded, and that arrests had been made in connection with recent security breaches, and several leads were currently being pursued.

Itua reiterated that the operations would not cease until every inch of Edo land – urban centres, rural communities, and transit corridors – was fully secured and safe for residents, commuters, and investors.

He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.

The statement advised that misinformation, panic-driven narratives, and unverified videos should be avoided.

It maintained that the governor remained resolute in his commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

It also stated that the administration would continue to deploy all lawful measures to ensure that criminality had no space in the state. (NAN)