Kidnap of Catholic Priests: Shaibu meets Security Chiefs, assures Security in Churches, Communities

By Ogochukwu Isioma

The Edo State Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, said the government is strengthening its security architecture and reviewing strategies to guarantee the safety and security of residents across communities in the state.

Shaibu said this while addressing journalists after an emergency State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, Benin City.

The emergency meeting followed the kidnapping of two catholic priests along Benin-Auchi Road at the Ekpoma axis, in Edo State.

The Acting governor said, “We are working to secure our churches and communities. We are looking beyond securing the churches alone but focusing on securing our communities and state.

“There is work in progress and we have discussed a whole lot of security issues and in the coming weeks, things will surely change in the state to ensure a secured environment for Edo people.”

On his part, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Abutu Yaro, said the security situation of the state has been reviewed at the Security Council meeting and measures have been adopted to secure and make the state safe for all.

He noted, “We have just finished our emergency Security Council meeting and have reviewed the security situation at the moment and the overall security of the state and have adopted measures that are relevant to the needs of the moment and that of the future.

“We wish to inform you and all persons in the state and beyond that the Edo State Government is on top of the situation and people should be reassured that despite the situation at the moment, the state is stable and under control.”

The Police Commissioner said security agencies in the state are working round the clock to secure the release of the kidnapped catholic priests.

Also, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Oyenude Kure called for prayers from Christians in the state, urging them to support the government’s efforts at improving security across the state.