Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on youth leaders across the Edo South Senatorial District to collaborate with security agencies and community-based structures to combat local insecurity.
The Governor met with the youth leaders, known as the Okaighele, to discuss strategic approaches to protecting their respective domains. The engagement aimed to establish a framework where grassroots intelligence can be effectively shared with formal law enforcement bodies.
During the meeting, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Centre in Benin City, Okpebholo emphasised that the protection of lives and property requires a symbiotic relationship between the government and the youth. He noted that the Okaighele leaders hold significant influence within their communities and can serve as a vital link in the state’s security architecture.
The meeting involved representatives from the seven local government areas that constitute the Edo South Senatorial District. The Governor argued that local intelligence is often the first line of defence against criminal activities and urged the leaders to ensure that suspicious movements or activities within their localities are reported promptly to the relevant authorities.
This engagement between Governor Okpebholo and the youth leaders comes as the state administration seeks to strengthen community policing efforts. By involving the Okaighele, the government intends to prevent criminal elements from exploiting young people and instead position them as partners in maintaining peace.
The Edo South zone, which contains several key economic and residential hubs, remains a priority for the state government in its efforts to curb crime. The Governor’s approach focuses on using existing community leadership to supplement the work of the police and other security agencies operating in the region.
While the meeting established the need for cooperation, the practical implementation of this intelligence-sharing framework remains a key focus. The state government is expected to clarify the specific protocols and communication channels through which these youth leaders can safely report information to security agencies without facing personal risks.
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