SECURING OUR LAND, PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE: RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON LEADS BOLD SWEEP TO RESTORE PEACE ACROSS ETSAKO EAST
Agenebode, Etsako East – Yesterday, Saturday, 18 April 2026, the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, personally headed the second day of a wide-area security sweep to safeguard our forests and farming communities.
The day-long operation covered key forested corridors from Ivioghomhe to Izotha to Edegbe along the railway line, and through Osholo, Emokwemhe, and Upland-Ivioghe. The mission was commanded on ground by 2nd Lieutenant Adekanbi Stephen, Operations Officer of 195 Battalion, with gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, Agenebode, working hand in hand with operatives of the Edo State Security Corps and dedicated local vigilante groups in the Agenebode axis.
Addressing the security push, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson made the Council’s position clear: the era where criminals torment our people has ended. “My people will no longer suffer indignity, be dragged into the bushes, or held for ransom. Not while I serve,” he declared. He vowed tireless action until every perpetrator hiding under any guise is brought to book and driven from our land. “Those who violate our women, take innocent lives, and sow fear will find no haven here. There is no rest for the wicked,” he added.
The Local Government Council Boss emphasized that farming is the lifeblood of Etsako East, and no one will be allowed to chase our people from their God-given occupation. “You cannot attack the hand that feeds this land and expect peace. Never again on our soil,” he stated firmly.
The chairman of (ALGON), Edo State chapter, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson also issued a clear call to traditional leaders: the practice of leasing land to persons who later harm our communities must stop immediately. “Whether Tiv or Fulani herder, if you aid those who bring evil to our people, you will face consequences greater than you can imagine,” he warned.
Reaffirming unity, he said: “We are one Nigeria and we welcome all. But that unity is not a licence to prey on our people. Our hospitality must never be repaid with harm. Never again.”
On the way forward, the Acting Chairman restated the 14-day notice to all persons occupying forest areas without proper community integration. “We are not stopping anyone from farming. We are asking everyone to live within our communities so we know our neighbours and keep out those who hide in the forests to commit crime. We have homes to welcome genuine farmers and herders,” he explained.
This is leadership in action — decisive, people-centred, and committed to lasting peace.
Etsako East will be safe!
Etsako East will be free!!
Etsako East will thrive!!!
Issued by:
Comr. Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah
Chief Press Secretary
Etsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode
Sunday, 19 April 2026
