The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, commissioned and handed over the Forward Operating Base, in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area (LGA) of the State to the Military, as part of efforts to beef up security across the State.
Obaseki at the commissioning called on the Nigerian Army to help mop up illegal firearms that some armed gangs and groups in the State have stockpiled for election purposes in the State.
The governor, who thanked the military for its role in strengthening the security architecture in the State and contributions to the peace enjoyed in the State, appealed for an additional Forward Operating Base in Akoko-Edo, Edo North Senatorial District of the State.
Obaseki said, “We want to call on the Military not to relent in providing security for the State, particularly in the next one month when we would be having an election in Edo State. We are very anxious about the accumulation of arms in some communities and fortunately for us, we have intelligence and will like you to assist us in disarming a lot of groups and gangs that pose a threat to the next election.
“The Army has been magnanimous to the State as the moment we experimented with the forward operating base in Ehor, we went back to request support to build another Forward Operating Base in Sobe between Ondo and Edo State where we were being ravaged by kidnappers and bandits. Again, the Chief was magnanimous enough to approve it as another base is being built as we speak in Sobe. These two incidents have reduced the issue of kidnapping and banditry in the southern and central parts of the State.
“We are using this opportunity of commissioning and handing over to appeal for one more base in Edo North between Ondo and Edo State, precisely at Akoko-Edo as we have a lot of kidnapping and banditry going on along that axis. The base is to serve Edo, Ondo and Kogi States.
“We are making applications to you to help us persuade the Nigerian Army to give us a base there. I thank the community for their generosity and cooperation, ensuring this becomes a reality.”
The governor continued: “The main responsibility of any government is the security of lives and properties of the people being governed. Any government that can’t guarantee safety for its citizens, clearly has no business being in government. That is why as a government, we have prioritized security and have done everything possible in the last eight years to make sure we put in all that is required to make our people safe.
“This Forward Operating Base (FOB) came up as a result of the very terrible security situation on this axis. About two to three years ago, you could barely ply this Benin-Auchi Road without your heart in your mouth as we recorded about two kidnapping incidents daily.
“It was at this point we raised alarm and approached the Chief of Army Staff as at that time and he gave approval that the State government to support the Nigerian Army to build a forward operating base in Ehor where men of the Nigerian Army can be located and help provide backup to the security system of Edo State.
“I am delighted this afternoon to join you here on this occasion of the commissioning and handing over of this forward operating base situated in Ehor in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State to the Nigerian Army.”
In his address, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja thanked the governor for his continuous support and collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Army Staff represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigeria Army, Major Gen Obinna Onubogu, said the forward base was built to stop kidnapping and armed robbery on the Benin-Auchi Road to enable swift response.
The Army chief stated, “This FOB serves to support other security agencies in the State to ensure safety and peaceful co-existence. We thank the people of the community for their collaboration and support in ensuring the success of the project. The base has drastically reduced the incidences that have been occurring on the Benin-Auchi-Ehor axis. I assure you of the continuous support of the Nigerian Army for the people to continue to enjoy peace, security, and unity in the State.”
