Edo Recovers 3,500 Illegal Firearms, Says Governor Okpebholo
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo on Thursday listed the recovery of 3,500 illegal firearms across the state as one of his administration’s major achievements after 100 days in office.
In his address commemorating the milestone, the governor, who assumed office on November 12, 2024, said that to sustain this momentum, his government had provided 75 vehicles and 350 motorcycles for security agencies in the state.
“We reorganized the Edo State Security Corps and recovered over 3,500 illegal firearms, procured 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and 350 motorbikes to match the criminals, in line with our promise to smoke them out,” he stated.
Noting that he inherited a state full of potential but facing challenges, Governor Okpebholo said that from the first day of his administration, the focus and goal had been clear—“to restore hope in leadership, create opportunities, and set Edo on the path of lasting progress.”
He acknowledged that much remains to be done and assured that his administration is taking decisive steps to turn its vision into reality.
The governor went on to highlight his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, natural resources, agriculture, and education.
“We have taken significant steps in strengthening our economy by increasing our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by N10 billion through an intensified drive targeting corporate bodies.
“We have eliminated wasteful consultants and reinvested resources in strengthening public efficiency. Our commitment to job creation is evident in the growth of the public service and our talent development programme, which allows the best minds to contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s growth and development.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), describing them as the bedrock of the state’s economy.
“To support businesses, we launched an interest-free loan scheme for market women, farmers, and artisans, which will benefit over 5,000 people in collaboration with the World Bank.
“We have also disbursed grants to over 400 small business owners, ensuring resilience in the face of economic challenges,” he added.
On food security and agriculture, the governor announced a ban on market unions responsible for price inflation in markets across the state to ensure food remains affordable for residents.
Regarding healthcare, he stated:
“Healthcare remains a top priority. Within the last 100 days, we have established the first VVF [vesico-vaginal fistula] centre in the South-South to ensure women receive specialized maternal care.
“We have also introduced free malaria testing and treatment across government hospitals for the next two years and are upgrading health facilities statewide to guarantee quality healthcare services for Edo citizens.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, highlighting legislative measures taken to curb crime.
“For my administration, security is non-negotiable. We took bold steps by amending the anti-cultism and kidnapping laws with stiffer penalties, leading to a significant reduction in cult-related violence.
“My administration is constructing major roads across the state, including the historic Ramat Park Flyover project, which will ease traffic congestion in Benin City.”
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about Edo State’s future under his leadership. “With our economic development plan, we will prioritize agricultural infrastructure and youth skill development, positioning Edo as the fifth-largest economy in Nigeria.”
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Ganduje, who attended the event, described Governor Okpebholo as “a progressive, a performer, and a working governor.”
