In a decisive move to curb growing insecurity in rural Edo, the Nigeria Police Force has approved the establishment of a tactical base in Iviukhua, located in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
The approval comes after mounting appeals by local leaders alarmed by frequent incidents of kidnapping, attacks on farmlands, and other violent crimes, mostly attributed to suspected herdsmen and criminal gangs operating in the region.
A formal letter of appreciation, dated Saturday, was jointly signed by the Onogie of Iviukhua, High Chief Saliu Sule Izuagbe, the President General, Dr Kennedy Izuagbe, and Ambassador Adamu Emozozo, former Nigerian envoy to Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
Addressed to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the letter expressed deep gratitude, describing the development as “a historic milestone in the fight for the security and welfare of our people.”
“Your physical visit today to our community and subsequent communication of the Edo State Police Command’s approval of a Tactical Police Command in our community has thrown Iviukhua and neighbouring communities into wild jubilation,” the letter read.
The leaders praised the police for their proactive response and pledged full cooperation to ensure the success of the tactical base. They confirmed that upgrades to infrastructure at the designated site are already underway to accommodate officers and enable smooth operations.
The initiative is seen as a strategic response to restore peace and economic activity in the area, which has suffered repeated disruptions from criminal elements. Residents believe the base will also improve surveillance and prompt response across other vulnerable agrarian communities nearby.
Community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for security personnel, noting that the collaboration signals a new chapter in the region’s security architecture.
The establishment of this tactical base is expected to significantly boost police presence and serve as a deterrent to criminal activity across Edo North.
