Utilise community police, take fight to kidnappers, criminals – Adeyanju to Edo Gov, Okpebholo

Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Wednesday, charged Governor Monday Okpebholo to utilize community police in his government’s fight against kidnappers and criminals in the state.

Adeyanju told Okpebholo to intensify the fight against kidnappers and criminals by strengthening his state’s security architecture.

In a statement he signed, the human rights lawyer commended the governor for his stance in the fight against insecurity, noting that the prosecution of kidnap suspects and demolition of their dens is a strong message that violence and crime must not be tolerated.

The lawyer, however, decried the governor’s failure in governance, saying, “While I have consistently criticised the Edo State Governor and remain opposed to his failed governance style, I must commend his firm stance and the steps his administration has taken in the fight against kidnapping in Edo State, particularly the identification and prosecution of suspected kidnappers and the demolition of properties and hideouts linked to criminal activities.

“These measures send a strong message that kidnapping and other violent crimes will not be tolerated.

“I urge the Governor to intensify these efforts and take the fight to the criminals by strengthening preventive measures across the State.

“In particular, the state should fully utilise community policing by strengthening security structures at the ward and local government levels, enabling communities to provide timely intelligence and support efforts to prevent kidnappings before they occur.”