Incessant Kidnapping On Auchi-Benin Expressway: CSO Chides Obaseki On Lethargy

The Edo Civil Society Organisations, EDOCSO, has condemned in strong terms the Goodwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government on its lethargy on the incessant kidnapping on the Auchi-Benin Expressway.

This is as a member of the organistion, Comrade Austin Omoifo, raised concern on the day-to-day activities of kidnappers on the busy highway and asked what the state government is doing to curb the menace on the ever busy road.

Omoifo, who is the coordinator, Asoro Study Centre of the organistion raised the concern in Benin on Saturday at the General Assembly of the organistion.

Omoifo who narrated how the vehicle he was traveling in recently had to pack and wait for several hours when they heard that the dreaded kidnappers were operating on the road, lamented that due to the unabated activities of the devilish kidnapers, the road has been a nightmare to Edo people and those who ply the road.

He further lamented that the Edo State Government seems to be unperturbed on the incessant kidnapping on the road, just as he expressed fear that it could get worse if nothing is done.

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Responding to the issue raised, Interim Chairman, The Executive Committee, TEC, EDOCSO, Bishop Ochei Osadolor further criticized the state government on its ‘I feel no concern’ attitude on the every day kidnapping that occurs on the Highway.

Bishop Osadolor who noted that Obaseki collects huge amount on monthly basis as security vote from the Federal Government, berated him (Obaseki) for not disbursing the money approriately to different security agencies in the state so as to equip them the more.

The Interim TEC Chairman said if the Governor can fully equip just the local vigilantes in the state by purchasing for them the needed arms and ammunition as a way of empowerment, kidnapping would be a thing of the past on the highway.

“The Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state. Every month, Obaseki receives N750m as security vote from the Federal Government. This money supposed to be shared to the Police, DSS, Civil Defense, Army and even the local vigilantes.

“For instance, if the vigilantes are motivated, they will be able to do their jobs properly and help us put an end to kidnapping,” he said.

Speaking on the compulsory vaccination for Edo residents by the Edo State Government, Bishop Osadolor said vaccination should be a personal thing and that nobody should be coerced to do.

He wondered under which law Obaseki was to enforce the compulsory vaccination in the state.