Edo: Stakeholders kick against award of Okomu security contract to criminal gang leaders

Stakeholders in Edo state have warned Okomu Oil Palm Company against the award of a security contract to perceived leaders of criminal elements parading in Edo and Ondo States.

It was gathered that the Okomu Oil Palm Company had advertised a vacancy for a security contract in the company, calling on suitable security companies to apply.

The worried stakeholders alleged that suspected leaders of criminal elements in Edo and Ondo States had been pressuring and lobbying seriously to be awarded the said security contract.

The stakeholders said awarding a security contract to criminal elements would endanger the lives of peaceful communities and residents in Edo state.

When contacted, Mr Godstime Ogidigba, a Senior Special Assistant, SSA to Edo State Governor on WaterWays Security and Surveillance said the company should beware of criminal gang leaders lobbying for the security contract.

He narrated: “During the last Edo governorship election, over 500 thugs were mobilised to the State by criminal elements lobbying for the contract to cause mayhem. A woman was killed in the process at Tolofa in Nikorowa Ward of Ovia South West Local Government Area.

“If the contract is awarded and approved to leaders of criminal gangs and when their criminal loyalists get access to firearms, it will be dangerous in the state, especially in the forthcoming general elections, particularly in the riverine areas.”

The governor’s aide, however, calls on Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, security agencies and security regulators to prevail on Okomu Oil Palm Company not to award the said contract to leaders of criminal elements jostling for the contract in the state.