Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has vowed that his administration would not allow bandits to destabilise the state under his watch.

Mr Okpebholo also said he is ready to make Edo “inhabitable” for the activities of the criminal elements ransacking the nooks of the state.

“Under my watch, criminal elements will not succeed in destabilising Edo State. I will deal with them decisively and make the state inhabitable for their activities,” he said.

The governor spoke on Monday during his visit to the hometown of Adams Oshiomhole in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, where he met with stakeholders concerning the security challenges.

The meeting came barely a few weeks after some travellers suspected to be hunters were killed in Uromi village in the headquarters of the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo.

Mr Okpebholo said the stakeholders’ meeting, attended by the political, religious, and traditional rulers, was necessary to maintain peace and security.

“We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he added.

Mr Oshiomhole highlighted some of the governor’s responses to the security challenges to the provision of mobility and donation of vehicles for the police and other security agencies.

“The governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a governor is doing this. I do not think that during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.

“The people have expressed their confidence in the governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he stated.

One of the traditional rulers in the Edo North, Ali Suleiman, said the traditional rulers have resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.