Edo tightens security at Govt House .

Posted by admin Edo, Headlines, State News Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

To demolish kidnappers’ dens

EDO State has put in place new security measures around principal government functionaries, covering particularly the governor, his deputy, Secretary to State Government (SSG) and Head of Service (HOS), as no one is now allowed into their premises without due appointment.

Even journalists have to put calls through to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, for clearance before being allowed into the premises. Though no formal explanation has been given for the new measures, The Guardian learnt that it might aim to check the unhindered access to the Government House by all and sundry.

And in an unexpected turnaround yesterday, the government also banned the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, in the three metropolitan councils of Oredo, Egor and Ikpobha-Okha, effect from next Monday.

Meanwhile, the government has identified some houses used by kidnappers as hideouts and has said the “marked” houses would be demolished in the next few days.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who disclosed this shortly after the state Security Council meeting in Benin City, said it was increasingly evident that the state was gradually becoming a safe haven for all manner of motorcyclists.

“In fact, there are confirmed commercial motorcyclists, who have been involved in kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes, including robbery,” he said. “We have tried as a government, over the years, to counsel commercial motorcyclists to observe certain codes, to watch out and ensure that criminals do not infiltrate their ranks and hide under commercial vehicles to perpetrate crimes.

“It is clear to me now that we have not been particularly successful. More and more commercial motorcyclists riders have been found to be involved in various acts of violent crimes.

“Also, because of the influx of bike riders, arising from the decision of some of our neighbouring states where bike riders have been prohibited, Edo State has become a safe haven for all manners of bike riders and because they do not get enough commercial patronage, some resort to crimes in order to sustain a living while posing to be bike riders.

“Therefore, everything considered, we have resolved as a government, effective from Monday next week, that bike riders will not be allowed to operate in any part of Oredo, Ikpoba Okha and Egor local council areas. These three constitute the heart of Benin City. The law enforcement agencies have been informed accordingly and directed to strictly enforce this law.”

Though not foreclosing the possibility of extending the ban throughout the state in future, Oshiomhole said the other 15 councils would be left out of the ban for now. He appealed to the affected persons for understanding.

He said: “I am not in doubt that there are many motorcyclists who are not criminals, and have no criminal intentions. This is just one sacrifice we all have to make to make our state safer.”

-Guardianwp_posts