The governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has stated that as part of steps to combat insecurity, his administration is finalizing plans to start issuing identification cards to citizens throughout the state’s 18 Local Government Areas. The governor made this disclosure while addressing stakeholders at a security meeting held in Auchi, Etsako West LGA of the state, claims Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects to Obaseki.
Obaseki declared that he is establishing the Edo State Resident Identification System. An identity card is required for all residents of Edo. To identify each individual, the identity card will be connected to the biometric verification number. “With this, if anything happens, we can follow up. We are not saying that we will not accept visitors. We are not saying that we are going to send people away, but if you must live with us, we must know you”
He added that the marketplaces in all local government regions must have addresses. He wants to put an end to the notion that markets can merely appear in people’s homes without being registered. Such markets would be shut down as the regulations outlined the structure of marketplaces.
The governor said that the local government council must take the necessary steps and give them the necessary infrastructure for a proper market if they wish to use a location as a market.
Speaking about the role of vigilantes in reducing insecurity in the state, Obaseki announced that the first batch of 500 vigilantes will begin receiving training on August 22 at the Nigeria Police Barracks in Ogida. He also noted that only vigilante groups with valid registration will profit from the initiative.
Each local government will provide a list of all the people who have registered to ride motorcycles or tricycles on September 12.
The state would also start enforcing the laws that anyone who has not registered cannot function as an Okada and Keke NAPEP rider starting the following Monday. They have decided to deploy more logistics, particularly more motorbikes for the rural areas, for security operations in Edo North.
The governor gave the assurance that the committee members for the anti-grazing law’s enforcement and implementation would be sworn in by the end of August. In Edo, open grazing has been prohibited since May 27 of this year.
The governor praised the security officers for their tireless work conducting surveillance operations throughout the state’s woodlands.
His Royal Highness, Oba Idogu III, the Olokpe of Okpe Kingdom in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo, praised the governor for his swift action in addressing insecurity in the state in his contribution.
Furthermore, in the state’s Etsako Central Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Deke Kanoba, the Egiegbai II of the Ekperi kingdom, asked security forces to work with vigilante groups to provide security in rural areas.
