House of Representatives Demands Military Base in Edo Over Rising Insecurity
The House of Representatives has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating insecurity in Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State, calling for immediate action to curb the wave of violence plaguing the region.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers urged the federal government, through the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, to reinforce security and restore stability.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Henry Okojie, a lawmaker representing Edo State.
Leading the debate, Okojie painted a grim picture of the situation, warning that insecurity in the constituency had reached an alarming level, with daily incidents of kidnappings, armed robbery, murder, rape, and cult-related killings.
“The police are overwhelmed and unable to contain the rising insecurity. The level of violence has left residents living in constant fear and psychological trauma,” he stated.
According to Okojie, criminals operate primarily along the rail route from Uzea to Ugboha, Amedokhian, Udo, Eko-Ibadin, and Ubiaja to Ewohimi, turning these areas into hotspots for violent crime.
Perhaps most shocking was the revelation that several victims of the attacks were found mutilated, with signs pointing to organ harvesting. Okojie’s remarks underscored the deepening crisis and the urgent need for a decisive security intervention.
Following a voice vote called by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House adopted the motion and directed security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the police, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the criminal activities in the area.
