Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the February 21, 2025, killings in seven communities of Ovia Southwest Local Government Area.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities yesterday, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration?s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

To prevent future attacks, the governor pledged to facilitate the establishment of a police outpost in the area, enhancing security and response capabilities.

He emphasized that peace and security remain his top priorities, assuring residents that no crime will go unpunished under his leadership.

Edo governor said: ?From the testimonies I have heard and the investigations conducted, these are criminals who invade your farms to steal the crops you have laboured for. As a government, we will go after them. I assure you that you will live here in peace. Our actions will prove that lasting peace is coming.

?No individual should be more powerful than an entire community?burning houses and killing people, just to steal farm produce. Wherever they are hiding, we will hunt them down, bring them to justice, and ensure that peace prevails.?

Okpebholo equally urged the residents of the area to remain calm, and not take the law into their own hands, while assuring them of government?s intervention.

He said: ?I understand your pain, but I urge you to take heart. Do not fight anyone or resort to violence. Maintain the peace, as you have been doing. I assure you that we will work here, so you can feel the presence of the government and experience real development.

?We have already deployed soldiers in the area, and we now have three additional Operation Rescue patrol vehicles to support them. Once I return to Benin, I will liaise with Edo Commissioner of Police to expedite the establishment of a police outpost here, so as to ensure sustained security.?

In furtherance of his peace efforts, Edo governor also met with leaders and members of Gbelebe, a neighboring Ijaw community, where he sued for harmony and assured them of government support.

He said: ?My core mission as Edo governor is to restore peace and bring development. Without peace, there can be no progress. These killings and conflicts must stop.

?This is a large community with no roads and no electricity, and yet, instead of focusing on development, criminality persists.

?I assure you that my administration will gradually bring meaningful development here.?

Leaders from Madoti and Gbelebe communities recounted that the crisis erupted when hoodlums attempted to steal farm produce from farmers in Madoti?s farm settlements, but were confronted by a newly-formed local vigilance group.

The leaders lamented the long-standing menace of farm theft and pleaded with Okpebholo to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property, as well as to ensure that farmers could work without fear of attack. (The Nation)

Update news