Oshiomhole lauds military over fight against kidnappers

By SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commended the military for its role in the fight against kidnapping and other social vices in the state.

Oshiomhole gave the commendation, yesterday, when he granted audience to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen Ahmed Jibrin at Government House, Benin.

He said: “Let me use the opportunity of your visit to place on record our gratitude to the Nigeria Army and indeed to the Nigeria Armed Forces.

“In addition to being faithful to your national assignment, your officers and men under the 4 Brigade have been helpful in complimenting the efforts of the police and the Department of State Security in internal security and this had been helpful.

“I can confirm to you that at least, between 80 and 90 kidnap suspects, arrested in this state had been with the active support of your officers and men.

“The Director of State Security Services has several times told me that once they gather the necessary intelligence, they fall back to the leadership of the 4 Brigade to provide the firepower and in most cases, this had been successful.”

So if we are relatively safe, I will like to think that Edo is much safer compared to other states in our geo-political zone, this is in largely due to the efforts of your officers and men. And I trust that under your command, we will continue to take this for granted.

“I had discussed with the Brigade Commander on how it reinforced its role with the other security agencies to ensure that this state is free of crime. I can assure you of the commitment of the people of the state to cooperate with the Nigeria Army under your command and in whatever way that we can assist, it will be a pleasure to do so,” Oshiomhole added.