The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that bandits who disguise as herders to perpetuate violence, kidnapping and robbery will be treated as criminals, as the state firms up its security architec­ture to flush out criminals from its domain.
The governor disclosed this during a town hall meeting at Odighi community in Uhiere Ward of Ovia-North East Local Government Area of Edo State, as part of a fact-finding mission to address the clashes between herders and farmers.
He commended inhabitants of the community for their peaceful disposition and or­ganising themselves to secure the community and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all.
Obaseki said: “We must separate the issues of security and politics and never accept the issue of criminality. We have always lived with herd­ers and those we know act responsibly. The ones we see today are different and act oth­erwise. These ones that cause violence, kidnapping, robbery are criminals and must be treated as such.
“I am glad you said you have always lived with the Fulani people for long in this community. This means that co-existence is not the problem but the criminal elements that cause us sleepless nights are the real problem.”
He assured the people of the community that his adminis­tration would collaborate with relevant security agencies and vigilante groups in the area to clear the criminal elements from the community, adding, “your security is my priority and concern. I will ensure that this community is secured. I am here to appeal to you to continue to maintain peace as we would not leave you alone but work together to secure the community.”
The governor said his ad­ministration would give priority to the Independent Farmers Initiative and support farmers in the community, adding, “I will continue to protect all of you in this community and the state. We will pay special attention to our women.”