The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, has been urged to urgently intensify security operations in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following a surge in reported cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The call was made by veteran crime journalist and security analyst, Mr Folorunsho Atta, who expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating security situation in the area, allegedly driven by rampaging armed kidnappers who now instil fear among residents and visitors.
Atta, who described Agbonika as a proactive police officer, appealed to the commissioner to widen the police dragnet across the Akoko-Edo landscape to flush out criminal elements and restore public confidence.
“The people of Akoko-Edo have, over time, embraced education. They have no room for crime and criminality,” Atta said. “Unfortunately, these same people can’t sleep these days with their two eyes closed. This is far from what we had in the past.”
He recalled that since the creation of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in 1963, the community had been known for peace and respect for the rule of law.
“People of Akoko-Edo had always embraced peace and obedience to extant laws of the land,” he added. “These days, hardly a week passes that one or two cases of kidnapping will not be reported.”
Atta further urged the Edo police boss to strengthen inter-state collaboration with his counterparts in neighbouring Kogi and Ondo states, noting that some of the criminal elements allegedly infiltrate Akoko-Edo from those areas.
While expressing confidence in Agbonika’s leadership, Atta said the commissioner’s past record should inspire decisive action.
“I’m trusting Monday Agbonika that the magic wand he employed while he served as DPO for Adeniji-Adele and other police stations, and as Area Commander, Sango-Ota, would be applicable here,” he said. “Intelligence-led policing, innovative technology, plus community partnership with the people of Akoko-Edo, will make the difference.”
Atta also highlighted the long-standing neglect of the local government area in terms of infrastructure and economic development, stressing that security remains a fundamental need.
“The industrious, hard-working people deserve peace and security of their lives and property,” he said. “Over the years, successive governments have neglected the LGA in terms of infrastructural and economic development.”
He noted that Akoko-Edo delivered the highest number of votes to the incumbent governor, Senator Monday Okphebolo, during the last governorship election, arguing that the community deserves protection in return.
“If nothing else, we need the safety of our lives and the little property we have garnered from hard work, resilience and commitment,” Atta concluded.
