UNITED FOR PEACE: ETSAKO EAST INTENSIFIES SECURITY SWEEP AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON, AND FORCES STAND WITH THE PEOPLE
Etsako East, Edo State – Our collective resolve to secure Etsako East remains unshaken. Yesterday, Monday, 20 April, 2026, joint security teams took decisive action to protect our communities and restore confidence across Ward 9, Three Ibie.
In the early hours, operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and dedicated community vigilantes confronted a suspected gang leader Mr. Shaka popularly called (Area). During the encounter, the suspect opened fire and wounded one of the brave ESSC officers Mr. Aminu Abdul. The officer was quickly evacuated and is now receiving medical care, with doctors closely monitoring his recovery.
According to the statement issued by the local government council Boss, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Local Government Council, Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah: “we stand with him and his family, and we salute his courage.”
Responding swiftly as reinforcement, personnel of the Nigeria Army engaged the armed kingpin. In the exchange, the gang leader — widely known as “Area” — was neutralized at his Imiegba location. This outcome was achieved through the coordinated effort of the Army, ESSC, and local vigilantes of Three Ibie working as one.
Current security update:
- The injured ESSC operative is hospitalized and stable under medical observation.
- Three additional suspects from the ward, Two from Imiakebu, one from Itsukwi axis have been apprehended and transferred to the police for thorough interrogation and investigation.
- Patrols and bush-combing operations have been expanded across Etsako East, stretching to the Edo–Kogi boundary, to ensure no hiding place remains for criminal elements.
For five days, according to a report from the ESSC officer Mr. David, the Three Ibie communities — Itsukwi, Imiakebu, and neighboring areas — endured repeated kidnapping incidents that disrupted farming, trade, and daily life. Our people showed resilience, but no family should live in fear.
That is why the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, is physically on the ground with ESSC operatives and troops of 195 Battalion. Together they are leading clearance operations in forests and border routes to completely dismantle these criminal networks.
We understand that tension remains while mop-up actions continue. Community vigilance has been heightened, and we thank every resident, youth group, and volunteer who is sharing information and standing guard. Your courage makes the difference.
The Etsako East Local Government Council commends the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, our community vigilantes, and every citizen supporting this mission. Your partnership is restoring hope, protecting livelihoods, and proving that when we stand together, peace prevails.
We urge residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and alert. Report any suspicious movement to security numbers: 09132803466, 08064357279, 09159035446.
Farming and business activities will resume in full as safety corridors are secured. No evil will outlast the will of our people.
Etsako East is rising — safer, stronger, and united.
Issued by:
Comr. Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah
Chief Press Secretary
Etsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
