JUST IN: Akoko-Edo Needs Special Security Architecture, Jemitola Tells Okpebholo
Says porous borders have made constituency vulnerable to kidnappers, criminal gangs
By Our Correspondent
A prominent stakeholder in Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Hon. Elizabeth Aanena Jemitola, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to initiate a comprehensive security strategy tailored to the unique geographical realities of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, warning that conventional policing is no longer sufficient to tackle the growing insecurity in the area.
In an open letter addressed to the governor, Jemitola appealed for sincere engagement with the people of the constituency, stressing that Akoko-Edo’s vast and porous borders require a specialised community-based security architecture capable of complementing existing security agencies.
Describing her intervention as “speaking truth to power,” the Akoko-Edo indigene urged Governor Okpebholo to create room for genuine dialogue with residents who understand the peculiar security challenges confronting their communities.
According to her, Akoko-Edo occupies a strategic location with extensive boundaries linking Edo State to neighbouring Kogi State, making it particularly vulnerable to the activities of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
She cited Ososo in Ward 10 as an example, noting that the community shares borders with Ogori and Okene in Kogi State, as well as Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area and Ojah and Makeke communities within Akoko-Edo.
“The time has come for genuine dialogue with the people. Allow us to tell you what others, however well-meaning, may not fully appreciate,” she said.
Jemitola argued that the expansive and difficult-to-police borders make the deployment of conventional security measures inadequate, advocating the establishment of a community policing framework built around local participation and intelligence gathering.
She explained that a special security force drawn from the local communities would possess intimate knowledge of the terrain, residents and movement patterns, thereby improving intelligence gathering and strengthening collaboration with conventional security agencies.
According to her, such an arrangement would significantly enhance efforts to prevent criminal activities before they escalate.
While acknowledging the abundant human and natural resources in Akoko-Edo, Jemitola lamented that insecurity has continued to undermine the area’s economic potential, discouraging investment, tourism and sustainable development.
She warned that a region naturally endowed with opportunities should not be allowed to descend into a haven for criminal elements due to inadequate security planning.
“The situation is grave. It calls for decisive leadership, purposeful action and an enduring security strategy that restores confidence and safeguards lives and livelihoods,” she stated.
Jemitola urged the Edo State Government to adopt innovative security solutions that reflect the peculiar realities of border communities, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved through a combination of local intelligence, community participation and effective collaboration with statutory security agencies.
She concluded by praying for divine wisdom, courage and strength for Governor Okpebholo as he confronts the security and developmental challenges facing Edo State.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several border communities across Akoko-Edo, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to curb the activities of kidnappers and other armed criminal groups operating within the region.
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