Oba Ewuare II of Benin has raised the alarm that criminal elements, including bandits and herdsmen, are building camps in forests within his kingdom.

The Oba revealed this during a meeting with Enigie (dukes) in his kingdom;

“I urge you to be more vigilant in your communities. I want you to nominate credible persons from your villages to be part of the Security Surveillance Team to be set up by Edo State Government.”

“Government has resolved to set up the Security Surveillance Team to help identify criminals and their hideouts in the society. Investigations have revealed that herdsmen and kidnappers as well as other sets of criminals have established camps in the forests in the various villages in Edo State.”

“There is need for the Enigie and the people to provide information that will help security agencies dislodge such criminal camps in the forest. Those to be nominated by the Enigie will be thoroughly screened to ascertain their integrity and uprightness in carrying out the function, I warn you not to usurp your powers once nominated.”

“I charge those to be nominated to do their work diligently and truthfully and report any criminal or person with questionable character to the Enigie who will in turn forward same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action.”

“The Palace is pleased with the Enigie for their loyalty and dedication over the years and I urge you to keep supporting the Palace in order for peace and progress not to elude the people.”