The Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, has made a startling allegation that some residents are importing herders and criminals from other states to engage in kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state.
Briefing Reveals Disturbing Trend
Commissioner Ebea disclosed this on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the monthly briefing organized by the state’s Ministry for Information and Strategy in Benin City. He alleged that certain individuals bring in herders to assist with cattle rearing but subsequently use them for kidnapping operations.
“From our security lenses, we have found out that some of our youths now keep herdsmen and the terrorists in their houses and point out to them where there is business to do,” he stated.
Confessions from Arrested Suspects
According to the commissioner, several suspects arrested by security forces have confessed that they were brought into the state by some youths. “Both the accomplices and kidnappers have confessed to how they were brought in and housed,” he revealed.
This revelation highlights a disturbing collaboration between local residents and external criminals, complicating the state's security challenges.
State Response: Forest Guards Deployment
To tackle the rising insecurity, the commissioner announced that the state government has engaged 500 forest guards who are currently undergoing training to secure the forests across Edo. He added that the Federal Government recently approved an additional 500 forest guards to bolster these efforts.
The training program aims to equip these guards with the necessary skills to patrol and protect the forest areas, which are often used as hideouts by criminals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security in the state.
