Kidnappings: CSOs challenge Obaseki on N4bn security vote

By Patrick Ahanor

Benin City

Worried over security concerns in recent times, Edo State Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) yesterday asked Governor Godwin Obaseki to explain how he had expended the N4 billion security vote as captured in the state’s 2017 budget.
This was just as the group handed out a 14-day ultimatum to Edo state government, assembly and the police to put an end to violent crimes.
Coordinator-General of the group, Comrade Omobude Agho, who led members on a protest march in Benin City, disclosed that their demand was in line with the doctrine of public accountability and transparency.
The CSOs expressed concern that “Edo people now live in absolute fear and anxiety due to the several cases of high profile kidnapping, armed robbery and killing of innocent citizens.”
Omobude said it was the primary responsibility of governor Obaseki to protect the lives and property of citizens as the Chief Security officer of the State.
According to him, the government must as a matter of urgency organize and strengthen local vigilantes and setup a proper neighbourhood watch devoid of political patronage to assist security agencies.
He urged the state Commission of Police, Haliru Gwandu, “to step up his game in the fight against these criminals and act according to his official’s description in the protection of lives and property of citizens.”
Kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state had taken a worrisome dimension following the killing of three policemen guarding Ogba zoo and Nature Park; and the subsequent abduction (now released) of the curator, Mr. Andy Ehanire.
Besides, gunmen suspected to be assassins shot dead University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Paul Otasowie, on October 5, even as ace singer, Ambassor Osayomore Joseph, was kidnapped on October 4.

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