GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO’S FIRM STANCE ON SECURITY: A CALL TO REVIVE COMMUNITY VIGILANTE STRUCTURES – REV DAVID UGOLOR

Amidst the rising wave of insecurity across Edo State, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated a renewed commitment to tackling the challenge through decisive and inclusive leadership. At a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held in Iyamho, Etsako West, the Governor not only talked tough but backed his words with a genuine consultative effort, drawing the attention and input of political, religious, and traditional leaders, as well as security chiefs.

Governor Okpebholo’s hands-on approach, personally convening the meeting and engaging all relevant stakeholders, marks a clear departure from bureaucratic indifference. His vow to decisively deal with criminal elements is both timely and commendable, especially as communities in Edo North, Central and South grapple with rising cases of kidnapping, robbery, and cult-related violence.

Civil society welcomes this inclusive approach to dialogue, as it reflects a growing recognition that addressing insecurity requires the participation of all relevant stakeholders, particularly at the grassroots. While top-level engagements are important, translating discussions into coordinated action at the community level remains critical. 

Yet, to fully tackle the peculiar security challenges of Edo’s local communities, the Governor must now move beyond dialogue to action. One clear and effective solution lies in reviving and strengthening the local vigilante system—a structure that understands the terrain, the people, and the nature of local threats more intimately than conventional forces.

Community-based vigilante groups have, in the past, proven their ability to work in synergy with state security agencies to protect lives and property. Under proper supervision and regulation, they can serve as the first line of defense in neighbourhoods where conventional security presence is sparse or delayed.

As security stakeholders and the public express renewed confidence in the Governor’s leadership, this is the ideal time to formalize community policing through a revitalised vigilante initiative. By training, equipping, and integrating these local outfits into the broader security architecture, with adequate oversight to prevent abuse—Edo State can set a model for grassroots-led security solutions.

Governor Okpebholo has taken the right first step. The next move must be a bold, practical revival of community-based security structures tailored to Edo’s unique challenges. Only then can the government’s vision of a safe, secure, and prosperous Edo become a lasting reality.

The Governance and Development Conversation is part of the implementation of the Civil Society Advocacy to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Reforms in Nigeria (CASARN) project with funding support from the European Union, under the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) program which is implemented by the International IDEA. With the aim to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria, the project empowers citizens, particularly youth, and civil society organizations to combat corruption and advocate for systemic reforms that ensure effective utilization of public resources.

Rev. David Ugolor is ANEEJ Executive Director and Co-Chair, UNCAC Coalition.