Governor Okpebholo Tightens Security Across Edo After Threat Video Spreads Online

According to Ireporter Online, the Edo State Government has intensified security efforts following the circulation of a viral video in which a self-proclaimed bandit issued threats to residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities. Governor Monday Okpebholo was reportedly briefed immediately after the video gained attention and promptly convened an emergency security meeting with heads of major security agencies.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the Governor handled the situation with utmost seriousness, noting that he had already been receiving regular updates on emerging security concerns across the state. The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that surveillance around strategic routes and vulnerable locations has been significantly heightened in recent weeks.

The areas under reinforced monitoring include the Benin–Auchi Expressway, the Ekpoma–Uromi axis, the Ehor–Iruekpen corridor, the Benin Bypass, as well as the Ewu–Irrua–Ubiaja stretch and the Benin–Afuze–Auchi corridor. Officials say the objective is to detect potential threats early, respond swiftly and maintain constant pressure on criminal groups.

In line with the Governor’s latest directive, joint security teams involving the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups and the Edo State Special Security Squad have expanded their operations. Patrols and search missions are currently ongoing across forests, border communities and other locations with a history of criminal activity.

Itua confirmed that arrests connected to recent incidents have already been made and that multiple leads are being actively pursued. He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security authorities, while warning residents against spreading unverified or panic-inducing content online.

He added that the current security operations will continue until peace and safety are fully restored in all parts of the state, from busy urban centres to remote rural areas. According to him, Governor Okpebholo remains unwavering in his commitment to safeguarding lives and property, insisting that the administration will deploy every lawful measure to ensure that criminal activity finds no foothold in Edo State.VV