LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON, ETSAKO EAST COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, JOINS SECURITY FORCES IN COMMUNITY SAFETY OPERATION AND CALLS FOR UNITY AND VIGILANCE
Etsako East, Edo State – In a bold demonstration of courageous and responsive leadership, the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, on Friday, 17 April 2026, joined security personnel in a proactive combing exercise across forests and border communities within Etsako East. The operation was aimed at strengthening peace, protecting lives, and reassuring residents of government’s commitment to their safety.
The joint exercise brought together gallant officers of the 195 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Agenebode Barracks, members of the Edo State Security Corps, and dedicated community vigilante groups, and Mr. Omoudu Bright, Special Adviser on security to the chairman. The team moved through key locations including the Igiode forest, Egori, Uzanu, the Ibie axis, and up to the boundary between Ajakuta and Etsako East. The operation was professionally coordinated by 2nd Lieutenant Adekanbi Sunday, Operations Officer of the 195 Battalion.
Speaking during the exercise, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson explained that the swift response followed a distress report received earlier that morning from Ivie, regarding suspected criminal activity in a community the previous night. As Chief Security Officer of the Local Government, he immediately mobilized available security agencies and chose to personally lead from the front. “True leadership means standing with your people. I cannot remain in comfort while my people live in fear. When duty calls, we must answer — together,” he stated.
The Acting Chairman used the occasion to appeal to all parents and guardians across Etsako East to counsel their children and wards against criminality. He stressed that the government will not tolerate kidnapping or collaboration with criminal elements, and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law without exception.
In a further step to enhance community security, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson addressed settlers encountered in forested areas during the operation. He issued a 14-day notice for all persons living in isolated bush settlements to relocate into recognized communities. He clarified that the directive is not intended to stop farming or lawful economic activity, but to ensure that all residents live within communities where neighbours can account for one another. “We have homes in our towns that can accommodate everyone. Let us live together as one people. This is how we build trust and identify those who mean harm,” he said.
On the subject of herders in the local government area, the Chairman reaffirmed that Etsako East remains home to all law-abiding Nigerians. “We are one Nigeria. There are many peaceful, hardworking herders among us. Our goal is simple — to know everyone living in our communities so we can isolate and address the few who choose to perpetrate evil,” he noted. He added that after the 14-day period, any unapproved structures in the forests will be removed by the Council in the interest of public safety.
The chairman of (ALGON) Edo State chapter, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson commended the professionalism and bravery of the Army, Edo State Security Corps, and local vigilantes, assuring them of the Council’s continued support. He called on all residents to remain vigilant, share timely information with authorities, and work in unity for a safer Etsako East.
Issued by:
Comr. Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah
Chief Press Secretary
Etsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode
Saturday, 18 April 2026
