Benin City—Edo State is grappling with a surge in thuggery and lawlessness, a stark contrast to the relative peace and security experienced during the eight-year tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The situation reached yet another tragic climax days ago when a two-year-old child lost her life in a motor accident caused by self-proclaimed revenue enforcers.
The incident occurred near Ring Road in Benin City, where thugs, acting as revenue collectors, attempted to seize control of a moving commercial bus. The ensuing chaos led to the driver losing control and crashing into a roadside kiosk, killing the young girl on impact. This heartbreaking event has sparked outrage among Edo residents, who are demanding immediate government intervention.
During the Obaseki administration, Edo State was widely regarded as one of the safest states in Nigeria. Through initiatives like “Operation Wabaizigan” and the establishment of a robust local vigilante network, Edo State Security Network (ESSN), the state government successfully curbed criminal activities, including kidnapping and other violent crimes. The deployment of crime-fighting technology and the digitization of the Command and Control Center further enhanced security, making Edo a model of safety in the South-South region.
However, the current administration under Senator Monday Okpebholo has faced criticism for its handling of security issues. Thugs now openly parade the streets with firearms, harassing bus drivers, market women, and other vulnerable groups. This alarming trend has led to widespread fear and uncertainty among residents, who feel that the state is losing its hard-earned reputation for safety.
Critics argue that the government’s reliance on untrained enforcers for revenue collection has exacerbated the problem, leading to unnecessary tragedies like the recent loss of the two-year-old girl. Many are calling for a return to the cashless, digitized revenue system introduced by the previous administration, which eliminated the need for physical enforcement and reduced opportunities for extortion.
As Edo State mourns this tragic loss, the question remains: Will the government take decisive action to restore law and order, or will the state continue to spiral into chaos?
