The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed concern over the rising criminal hideouts in some parts of Edo State.
He disclosed this Monday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladipo Amao, paid him a courtesy call at his palace in Benin City.
Amao is currently on a working visit to the State.
The Monarch alleged that based on intelligence reports, these criminals are setting up camps and building ‘luxury houses’ in rural areas that are difficult for police operatives to access.
According to him, “Security solutions are not to be discussed openly. However, I want to say that some information reaching us a while ago have it that there are camps dotted all over our rural areas.
“These camps are not just camps but luxury houses that you will not expect anybody to live in. They are well organised.
“We need to investigate. I do not think the police have access to these areas to flush them out, criminals, armed robbers, and kidnappers.
“I want to thank you for taking interest in the security of the state. I also commend the efficient way of tackling insecurity, especially insurgency. It is still a work in progress,” the Oba said.
Responding, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladipo Amao, alleged that some communities in the State have become hideouts for Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“We are aware that some of the neighborhoods have become a hideout for IPOB,” he said.
Amao who assured that criminal elements in the State will be flushed out, sued for the support of the traditional institutions to enable its personnel to succeed in the discharge of its duties.
