Mr. Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo 1 constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has called on traditional rulers in the state to ramp up efforts in addressing the growing insecurity/">insecurity plaguing rural communities. Speaking to newsmen in Benin City on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and highlighted the crucial role traditional leaders play in maintaining peace and order.
Idaiye voiced concerns that some traditional rulers were inadvertently contributing to the problem by accepting gifts and royalties from suspicious individuals and groups. He stated that these actions could indirectly embolden criminals and undermine local security initiatives.
“People now fear going to their farms or traveling by roads, that’s how alarming the insecurity/">insecurity situation has become,” Idaiye lamented.
The lawmaker outlined his personal efforts to combat insecurity/">insecurity within his constituency, including the donation of a Sienna vehicle and two motorcycles to enhance mobility for local security personnel. He further disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Edo State Security Network, local Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and vigilante groups to address the rising threat.
Idaiye emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, urging leaders, communities, and all responsible citizens to play their part. He reiterated his stance that traditional rulers must be held accountable for actions that potentially worsen insecurity/">insecurity in rural areas.
“I have said on several occasions on the floor of the house that traditional rulers must be held accountable for worsening insecurity/">insecurity in our rural communities,” he stressed. He cited instances of community leaders accepting gifts from outsiders and herders, which he believes encourages criminality and weakens local authority. He pointed to communities like Sasaro, Eshawa, and Ekor within his constituency, noting the disproportionate number of herders compared to indigenous residents, further fueling local anxieties.
Idaiye urged traditional rulers to prioritize the safety and welfare of their people and refrain from harboring or protecting criminal elements within their communities. “We will keep engaging them. But they must stop encouraging or accommodating individuals that promote insecurity/">insecurity in our communities,” he declared.
He also appealed to the media to raise public awareness and encourage everyone to speak out against the worsening rural insecurity/">insecurity. Finally, he called for a collaborative approach, urging lawmakers, security agencies, traditional rulers, and the media to join hands in restoring peace to the affected communities throughout Edo State.
