By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State Government has recruited 500 Forest Guards to strengthen security across the state’s forests and farming communities, with plans already underway to recruit an additional 500 personnel, bringing the total number to 1,000.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, disclosed this on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Information and Orientation in Benin City.
Ebea said the recruitment followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing security within forest areas and protecting farmers from criminal activities.
According to him, the first batch of 500 Forest Guards was recruited last week at the Ogida Police College, while arrangements have commenced for the recruitment of another 500 officers.
“The Edo State Government, with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has directed that Edo State recruit 500 Forest Guards. These Forest Guards, who will have their offices in the forests, will protect the forests and ensure the safety of our farmers in their farms. We carried out the recruitment last week at the Ogida Police College. The President has further directed that an additional 500 Forest Guards be recruited to bring the number to 1,000,” he said.
The commissioner noted that security successes are often underreported, while challenges and isolated incidents receive widespread publicity, particularly on social media.
He cautioned against the growing spread of misinformation and manipulated digital content, warning that some individuals deliberately circulate false reports and doctored videos to create fear and attract online followers.
Ebea cited a recent case in which a woman allegedly circulated false reports of kidnapping incidents in the state. He said security agencies investigated the matter and discovered that the claims were fabricated.
He stressed that while Edo State still faces security challenges, the government remains committed to improving public safety and ensuring residents can move freely and conduct their daily activities without fear.
The commissioner further revealed that at a security meeting convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser earlier this year, Edo State was identified as one of the most secure states in the federation.
“When they said Edo State was among the most secure states in the federation, it was during a serious security conversation involving all the states and the Federal Capital Territory. However, we still have a lot to do because security is a continuous process,” he stated.
Ebea also expressed concern over reports that some youths allegedly provide information and logistical support to criminal elements operating within communities, describing such actions as a major threat to security efforts.
Speaking at the briefing, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua, defended ongoing development projects across various parts of the state, including communities in Esan land and Udomi.
Afegbua said criticisms on social media regarding infrastructure projects in some rural communities were misplaced, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is committed to balanced development across all parts of Edo State.
“We are proud to have a governor who is developing every part of Edo State, whether it is a village, hamlet or city. If those projects were not executed, the same critics would later accuse the government of neglecting those communities,” he said.
He pointed to the construction of a 15-kilometre road linking former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s village and neighbouring communities as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The commissioners reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain security improvements and infrastructure development as part of broader efforts to enhance the welfare of Edo residents.