Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, inaugurated and handed over the Forward Operating Base in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state to the military, as part of efforts to beef up security across the state.

Obaseki, at the event, called on the Nigerian Army to help mop up illegal firearms that some armed gangs and groups in the state had stockpiled ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

The governor, who thanked the military for its role in strengthening the security architecture of the state and contributions to the peace enjoyed in the state, appealed for an additional Forward Operating Base in Akoko-Edo, Edo North Senatorial District of the state.

“We want to call on the military not to relent in providing security for the state, particularly in the next one month when we will be having an election in Edo State.

“We are very anxious about the accumulation of arms in some communities and fortunately for us, we have intelligence and will like you to assist us in disarming a lot of groups and gangs that pose a threat to the next election.

“The Army has been magnanimous to the state as the moment we experimented with the Forward Operating Base in Ehor, we went back to request support to build another Forward Operating Base in Sobe between Ondo and Edo State where we were being ravaged by kidnappers and bandits.

“Again, the chief was magnanimous enough to approve it and another base is being built as we speak in Sobe. These two incidents have reduced the issue of kidnapping and banditry in the southern and central parts of the state.

“We are using this opportunity of inauguration and handing over to appeal for one more base in Edo North between Ondo and Edo states, precisely at Akoko-Edo as we have a lot of kidnapping and banditry going on along that axis. The base is to serve Edo, Ondo and Kogi states.

“We are making applications to you to help us persuade the Nigerian Army to give us a base there. I thank the community for their generosity and cooperation, ensuring this becomes a reality,” Obaseki said.

In his address, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed, Lagbaja thanked the governor for his continued support and collaboration with the Nigerian Army.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen Obinna Onubogu, the COAS stated, “This FOB serves to support other security agencies in the state to ensure safety and peaceful co-existence. We thank the people of the community for their collaboration and support in ensuring the success of the project. The base has drastically reduced the incidences that have been occurring on the Benin-Auchi-Ehor axis. I assure you of the continuous support of the Nigerian Army for the people to continue to enjoy peace, security, and unity in the state.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the Edo election, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), on Thursday, urged security operatives to ensure the protection of the electorate, electoral officers and others before, during and after the exercise.

A statement by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu disclosed this at the Election Security Management Symposium in Abuja.

He said, “As the nation counts down to the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission has demanded the highest level of professionalism from security operatives who will be providing security services during the off-season governorship elections in the two states of Edo and Ondo states holding in September and November this year.

“DIG Argungu said the operatives, especially the Nigeria Police Force, the lead Agency in election security, must work to protect the lives and properties of citizens before, during and immediately after the elections.

“The PSC Chairman, who delivered a keynote address, said the security agencies must also ensure the safety of electoral officers and other stakeholders.”

He said they should do necessary identification, surveillance and monitoring of all known possible subversive elements, “terrorist groups, political dissidents, pressure groups and other criminal elements”.

Ani said Argungu also noted that the security personnel should, as a matter of national importance, maintain peaceful conditions, and law and order around the polling and collation centres.

“He said the staff of the commission will continue to carry out oversight functions on policemen on election duties to protect the integrity of the elections,” the statement added.