Insecurity: Edo Ag CP, DPOs brainstorm …banks in Ekpoma shut out customers

BY SIMON  EBEGBULEM

BENIN – WORRIED by the security situation in the state, Acting Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Hurdi Muhammad, yesterday, held security meeting with Divisional Police Officers in the state with a view to finding solution to the security challenges in the state.

Now fewer than 17 persons, including a mobile police officer had been killed in Auchi and Benin City in the past three days. Seven persons, including three soldiers were killed, Monday, when armed bandits numbering over 50 attacked four banks in Auchi. A popular estate valuer in the state, Chief Dan Odiete, was abducted by suspected kidnappers Wednesday night on Akpakpava Road in Benin.

Meanwhile, banks in Ekpoma, the closest town to Auchi, refused to open to customers due to fear that they might also be attacked by armed bandits. The situation has thrown people in Auchi and Ekpoma into hardship because they are now forced to travel to Benin City, to access their banks.

Banks in Auchi and Ekpoma have recently been targets of attack by hoodlums, who always find safe routes to escape after their raids.

Vanguard learnt that staff of a first generation bank in Auchi had been redeployed to their offices in Benin City, following the decision by the Bankers Forum in Auchi to close shop until security was guaranteed.

The meeting between the Edo Acting CP was behind closed door but Vanguard learnt that the CP charged the DPOs to be alive to their responsibilities, particularly in this festive period.