In a bold and strategic effort to reinforce security architecture across Orhionmwon Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Thompson Osagie, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, convened a high-powered security peace meeting with heads of security agencies and critical stakeholders.
The strategic meeting, held at the Council Secretariat in Abudu, attracted a wide spectrum of participants including top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, youth leaders, clergy, and representatives of various security outfits operating within the local government, in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Dennis Ugbudian. The gathering underscored a collective resolve to enhance inter-agency collaboration and confront the growing security challenges in the area.
Notable attendees included the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Uhunmwangho; Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Francis Odigie; Director of Administration and General Services, Comrade Victor Ogiemwanre; Chief Security Officer, SP Augustine Bestman Asenoguan (Rtd); Divisional Police Officers from Abudu, Ugo, Urhonigbe, and Igbanke; as well as officials of the DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Edo State Security Corps, traditional leadership, youth bodies, faith-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
In his opening address, Hon. Osagie emphasized the urgent need for synergy among security agencies and communities to combat the resurgence of criminal activities, particularly kidnapping.
“We must work collectively to address the security challenges confronting Orhionmwon. Everyone here has a critical role to play. While we have made progress in curbing herdsmen-related crises, kidnapping has resurfaced, especially in Orhionmwon South. This is unacceptable and demands immediate, coordinated action,” he stated.
The Chairman highlighted alarming incidents along the Ugboko Niro–Ugo axis, describing the area as a major flashpoint where criminal elements exploit the terrain and pipeline corridors to perpetrate kidnappings with increasing boldness.
He expressed concern over lapses in response by some security operatives and called for renewed commitment, intelligence sharing, and operational efficiency. He also urged community leaders and residents to be vigilant and actively support security agencies with timely information.
Hon. Osagie also raised concerns over persistent boundary-related tensions between Edo and Delta communities around the Evboesi axis, describing acts of harassment and illegal revenue collection by individuals from neighboring areas as provocative.
He called on security agencies to address the situation through appropriate channels while urging traditional leaders to sensitize their communities and discourage acts that could escalate tensions.
During the interactive session, security heads openly discussed the challenges hindering effective service delivery, particularly inadequate logistics, manpower shortages, and poor coordination with local vigilante groups.
The DPO of Abudu Division revealed that the station operates without a functional vehicle, forcing officers to rely on motorcycles for operations. Similarly, officers from other divisions cited mobility constraints and insufficient personnel as major setbacks.
They also stressed the need for better regulation and integration of vigilante groups into formal security frameworks to enhance accountability and effectiveness.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Osagie expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of vigilante operations, describing them as poorly coordinated and lacking discipline despite receiving salaries from the council.
He announced plans to restructure and properly integrate vigilante groups under the supervision of security agencies, ensuring proper profiling, training, and accountability.
“If they are unwilling to work responsibly, we will have no choice but to disengage them. Security is too important to be compromised,” he warned.
In a series of proactive steps, the Chairman disclosed that bush clearing operations will commence in identified flashpoints to reduce criminal hideouts. Critical roads, including bad spots along vulnerable routes, will be rehabilitated to improve visibility and response time. Additional vigilantes will be deployed strategically to high-risk areas. Community sensitization campaigns will be intensified to promote vigilance and cooperation.
He further emphasized that land development and investment in rural areas would help deter criminal activities by increasing human presence and economic engagement.
Other stakeholders, including the NDLEA, Immigration Service, and FRSC, highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, community engagement, and public sensitization—particularly among youths—on issues such as drug abuse, illegal migration, and road safety.
Traditional leaders and youth representatives commended the Chairman’s proactive leadership while calling for increased deployment of security personnel to rural communities and continuous training of vigilante operatives.
Religious leaders also appealed for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among different faith groups within the local government.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Osagie charged all participants to translate deliberations into concrete actions, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
“As stakeholders, the safety of our people rests in our hands. Let us replicate the resolutions reached here and remain committed to safeguarding lives and property. Together, we can restore peace and stability in Orhionmwon,” he concluded.
The meeting ended on a note of renewed commitment, with stakeholders pledging sustained collaboration and improved coordination in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the local government area.
In a related development, the Executive Chairman has commenced extensive road reconstruction and grading works in Ukpato Ward, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
The project, which focuses on the long-abandoned Obozogbe Niro–Sokponba District Road, has ignited a wave of excitement and gratitude among residents, many of whom described the intervention as timely, transformative, and long overdue, Ugbudian said in a statement. For over fifteen years, the road—linking key communities such as Aideyanba, Evbosa, and Pamol Nigeria Ltd and adjoining areas—had remained in a deplorable state, severely limiting access, economic activities, and social interaction.
With the deployment of heavy-duty construction equipment and the rapid pace of work already underway, residents say the once-neglected corridor is being restored to life, rekindling hope and opening up opportunities for trade, mobility, and community growth.
The development has drawn commendations for both Hon. Thompson Osagie and the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose support and investment in local government infrastructure—particularly the provision of construction equipment—have made such interventions possible.
Speaking on behalf of the people, the Councillor representing Ukpato Ward 06, Hon. Glory Obazee, popularly known as Mama B, expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman and the Governor, describing the development as almost surreal.
“This road has been a major challenge for our people for over fifteen years,” she said. “Accessing our communities was a nightmare, especially during the rainy season. We struggled on our own to maintain it, often at great cost. Today, we are witnessing a complete turnaround. This intervention has brought relief, restored dignity, and renewed our hope.”
She further praised Hon. Osagie as a results-driven leader, fondly referred to by locals as “the ‘Talk and Do’ Chairman,” and commended Governor Okpebholo for his visible commitment to development across Edo State.
Also lending his voice, Comrade Evans Ode Emwinghare described the project as unprecedented in the history of the area. He recounted his initial disbelief upon hearing of the development, only to return home and witness the transformation firsthand.
“This road was practically abandoned, and transport challenges made life difficult for our people,” he said. “Today, everything has changed. The intervention has brought relief and renewed confidence in governance. If this is the only project executed here, it is more than enough to earn our appreciation.”
In a similar vein, Comrade Harrison Ekhomongiazin lauded the Chairman and the Governor for what he termed a “timely rescue mission,” noting that the road serves as a strategic link connecting several communities, including parts of neighbouring Delta State.
“This is a historic moment for our people,” he remarked. “For years, we had lost hope, but today, development has found its way back to us. This road holds immense economic potential and will significantly improve the livelihoods of our people.”
Responding to the outpouring of appreciation, Hon. Thompson Osagie thanked the people of Ukpato Ward for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to deliver meaningful development across all twelve wards of Orhionmwon Local Government.
He assured residents that the ongoing road project is only a glimpse of greater achievements ahead, as his administration remains focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing livelihoods, and delivering the dividends of democracy to every corner of the local government.
Ugbudian said the road reconstruction reflects the Chairman’s commitment to restoring hope and driving economic growth in neglected communities.
