***Palliatives for Residents Discovered in Recovered Bus

The Edo State Government has announced the recovery of three out of more than 200 official vehicles unaccounted for, as it has intensified effort to recover government-owned assets from private custody.

Chairman of the recently inaugurated Vehicle Recovery Committee, disclosed that within 24 hours of the committee’s operation, three vehicles had been retrieved.
The recovered vehicles, which include a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, were found in a private residence.

Notably, one of the recovered Toyota Hiace buses was contained palliatives intended for distribution to residents. The items included bags of garri and rice, weighing 10kg and 25kg.

Okungbowa called on members of the public to provide information about the location of other missing vehicles, assuring whistleblowers of substantial rewards for accurate and verifiable tips.

“Since our inauguration, we have successfully recovered three vehicles in just 24 hours, including one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses. These vehicles were discovered in private custody, and our operation is supported by security agencies to ensure compliance,” Okungbowa said.

He noted that the committee has received reports indicating over 200 government vehicles are unaccounted for. He urged former government officials and other individuals in possession of state vehicles to return them voluntarily within 48 hours.

“These vehicles are not private property but belong to the people of Edo State. It is unfair for anyone to appropriate government assets for personal use,” Okungbowa emphasized.

He added that the success of the initial operation was due to actionable intelligence, urging citizens to provide more information about other locations where state vehicles may be kept.

“We recovered these vehicles based on information provided by the public, and we appeal for more tips. Our team will continue operations to recover all missing vehicles,” he said.

Okungbowa reassured residents that the committee remains committed to its mandate and will not relent until all missing government assets are recovered for the benefit of the people of Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, as part of his administration’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion in the state capital.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, in a statement on Tuesday quoted the Governor at the ground-breaking ceremony, to have announced plans to construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the completion of the Ramat Park flyover will significantly transform the economy and social dynamics of Benin City and Edo State. He described Ramat Park as a gateway to Benin City and other regions of the country.
He noted that the bridge will provide relief for motorists traveling along the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

“I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking and flag-off ceremony of the Ramat Park flyover. This is the beginning of a crucial project that will bring economic and social benefits to our capital city and the entire Edo State.
“Ramat Park is a key gateway to Benin City, and this flyover will improve the lives of motorists and commuters along these vital corridors,” Governor Okpebholo stated.

“During our campaigns, I promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce traffic gridlock in our city. Today, just one week into my administration, we are delivering on that promise.
“This is the first flyover, and we will construct more, including one at Dawson Road Junction and another at Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction.”

The Governor also noted the historical significance of Benin City, emphasizing the need to revitalize the city to encourage tourism and further development.

“I must express my gratitude to the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for their support. I also appreciate CCECC Nigeria Limited for their commitment to completing the project within 18 months.
“To the people of Edo, I assure you that we will execute this project in line with all relevant laws and regulations,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo appealed to motorists for patience as the construction progresses over the next 18 months.

Daughter of a former Governor of Edo State and resident of the area, Amen Ogbemudia, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his visionary leadership.
She noted that the Governor’s actions were bringing hope to the people of Edo State.
Emmanuel Aigbogun, a youth from the Oregbeni Community, also commended Governor Okpebholo for his bold step in addressing the city’s infrastructural challenges, stating that the Governor had written his name in gold with the groundbreaking of the Ramat Park flyover.

“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfill it. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” he said.

**Okpebholo orders security agencies to intensify efforts against criminals

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken a firm stance against criminal activities, particularly cultism, declaring that Edo must remain safe for all residents—except criminals.
The governor made the declaration during a security meeting with heads of various security agencies on Monday evening, following a surge in violent crime and killings linked to cult activities across the state.

In his address, Governor Okpebholo condemned the increasing criminality, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate lawlessness in any form. “Edo State will be a place of safety for our law-abiding citizens. Criminals have no place here, and we are taking decisive steps to ensure that law and order are restored across the state,” he declared.

The governor ordered security agencies to ramp up patrols, focus on dismantling cult groups, and take all necessary measures to protect communities from the menace of violence and criminal activities. He also assured the public that his government would provide full support to the security forces to ensure their operations are successful.

Governor Okpebholo further called for the collaboration of Edo residents, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He stressed that the fight against crime is a collective responsibility and that the government cannot succeed without public cooperation.

The announcement has been met with widespread approval, as citizens and community leaders expressed confidence that the governor’s strong leadership would restore peace and security in the state.