March 14, (THEWILL) – Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki on Monday, called on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to increase air surveillance to checkmate the high crime rate in the state.
The Governor made the call in Benin-City, while receiving in audience the Nigeria Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, at the Government House.
According to Obaseki, Edo State had witnessed crimes ranging from banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal logging in its forest reserves.
The Governor, who noted that the State enjoys a special relationship with the air force; to Amao because of the restructuring after the civil war, “your presence had to be reduced somewhat”.
He said, “We really want you to do as much as you can to expand your services here.
“With your little operational service here, we know what we have benefited and enjoyed from the command, particularly what they did for us during the #EndSARS protest.
“They did a lot of patrols and support and so if we have our way, we will like to have more of your presence in our communities.”
The governor emphasised that criminal elements came through the waterways into the forest and reserve to log illegally and also procure more arms and set up businesses in the forest.
Obaseki said his administration was willing to collaborate with the force to enhance teaching and learning in schools within Air Force formations in Edo.
Earlier, Air Marshal Amao, said he was in the state command for an operational visit to see how to enhance their workforce, especially, improving security in the state.
Amao commended the governor’s commitment in security and education, particularly in Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST).
He pledged that security agencies will work tirelessly to end the current security challenges experienced in some parts of the country.
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