Okpebholo Distributes 300 Motorbikes to Boost Security in Edo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, handed over 300 motorbikes to security agencies to strengthen the fight against crime across the state.

The initiative, announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, was launched at the Government House, Benin City. The event was attended by top security chiefs, including the State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika; Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo; and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu.

Governor Okpebholo explained that the motorbikes were specially procured to help security operatives access difficult terrains, especially forest areas where criminal elements often operate. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make Edo unsafe for criminals.

“We made a campaign promise to tackle insecurity and restore peace in Edo State. These motorbikes will help our security agencies access places vehicles cannot reach. Criminals must understand: Edo is no longer a safe haven,” the governor declared, assuring that the bikes would be properly maintained for long-term use.

CP Agbonika praised the initiative as a turning point in Edo’s security efforts, particularly in combating forest-based crimes such as kidnapping. “With these bikes, we can now penetrate deep into the forests where criminals hide. The days of impunity are over,” he said, urging residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence.

The development comes months after the killing of 16 Fulani hunters in Uromi, Esan North LGA. The victims, travelling in a Dangote Cement truck, were attacked after local security operatives reportedly discovered dane guns in their possession. The lynching, widely condemned by President Bola Tinubu and several governors, prompted calls for justice and stronger security interventions in the State.