Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the Edo State Security Network to resume operations, defying a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which suspended their operations.
The police IG had previously suspended the vigilante group ahead of the state’s September 21 election.
However, a statement issued on Tuesday by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, justified the resumption, explaining that the governor gave the directive after reviewing a surge in violent crime, particularly homicides, during a State Security Council meeting.
He said the governor “has directed members of the Edo State Security Network to resume their regular duties following the deteriorating security situation in the state.
“The Governor issued this directive after the State Security Council meeting on Monday, during which the council reviewed the recent rise in homicides and other security issues.”
While lamenting over the current state of insecurity, the governor charged the Edo State Commissioner of Police to restore order swiftly.
“Governor Obaseki reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property,” the statement added.