In preparation for the upcoming September governorship election in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has urged the Nigerian Army to assist in mopping up illegal firearms reportedly accumulated by non-state actors for the election.
The governor made this appeal on Thursday, August 15, after commissioning the Forward Operating Base in Ehor, Uhunmwode local government area.
Obaseki emphasised that the establishment of the Forward Operating Base is part of the broader effort to enhance security within the state.
He praised the military's significant role in bolstering the state's security framework and its contributions to maintaining peace in the region.
The governor also requested the establishment of another Forward Operating Base in Akoko-Edo, located in the Edo North Senatorial district.
He said: “We want to call on the military not to relent in providing security for the state, particularly in the next one month when we will be having an election in Edo State. We are very anxious about the accumulation of arms in some communities and fortunately for us, we have intelligence and would like you to assist us in disarming a lot of groups and gangs that pose a threat to the next election.
“The Army has been magnanimous to the State as the moment we experimented with the forward operating base in Ehor, we went back to request support to build another Forward Operating Base in Sobe between Ondo and Edo State where we were being ravaged by kidnappers and bandits. Again, the Chief was magnanimous enough to approve it as another base is being built as we speak in Sobe. These two incidents have reduced the issue of kidnapping and banditry in the southern and central parts of the state.
“We are using this opportunity of commissioning and handing over to appeal for one more base in Edo North between Ondo and Edo State, precisely at Akoko-Edo as we have a lot of kidnapping and banditry going on along that axis. The base is to serve Edo, Ondo, and Kogi States.
“We are making applications to you to help us persuade the Nigerian Army to give us a base there. I thank the community for their generosity and cooperation, ensuring this becomes a reality.”
The governor added: “The main responsibility of any government is the security of lives and properties of the people being governed.
Any government that can't guarantee safety for its citizens has no business being in government. That is why, as a government, we have prioritized security and have done everything possible in the last eight years to make sure we put in all that is required to make our people safe.
“This Forward Operating Base (FOB) came up as a result of the very terrible security situation on this axis. About two to three years ago, you could barely ply this Benin-Auchi Road without your heart in your mouth as we recorded about two kidnapping incidents daily.
“It was at this point we raised alarm and approached the Chief of Army Staff as at that time and he gave approval that the state government to support the Nigerian Army to build a forward operating base in Ehor where men of the Nigerian Army can be located and help provide backup to the security system of Edo State."
In his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja thanked the governor for his continuous support and collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigeria Army, Major Gen Obinna Onubogu, he said the forward base was built to stop kidnapping and armed robbery on the Benin-Auchi Road to enable swift response.
“This FOB serves to support other security agencies in the state to ensure safety and peaceful co-existence. We thank the people of the community for their collaboration and support in ensuring the success of the project.
"The base has drastically reduced the incidences that have been occurring on the Benin-Auchi-Ehor axis. I assure you of the continuous support of the Nigerian Army for the people to continue to enjoy peace, security, and unity in the state," he said.
