Following the increasing rate of kidnapping in the state, especially in the northern part of Edo State, the need for the state government to strengthen community policing has been emphasized .
This was made manifest when the Edo State House of Assembly passed a resolution calling on the state government and security agencies to take urgent steps to curb the rising wave of kidnappings in Etsako East and other parts of the state.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Etsako East Constituency, Kingsley Ugabi, during Monday’s plenary.
During deliberations, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi lamented the increasing cases of kidnappings and other criminal activities in his constituency. He noted that farmers have been worst hit, as many can no longer go to their farms for fear of attack, a situation he warned is already threatening food security.
“The call has become necessary as the ravaging kidnapping level is increasing day in and day out .
He cited the killing of eight NSCDC personnel by kidnappers in Etsako East before whisking some Chinese expatriates away.
“Mr Speaker, the situation is alarming and urgent steps need to be taken before these gunmen take over the state.”
Some other members of the house also supported the move, complaining that the situation is alarming and calls for urgent action by the state government and security agencies.
However, after intensive debate, the House resolved that community policing should be strengthened, alongside other security measures, to address the menace across the state.
