President of the Esan Akhugbe Otiti socio-cultural group, Mr Iyere Sunday, has challenged the Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, to account for the persistent cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Esan land, insisting that the blame should no longer be placed solely on the state government.

Iyere argued that the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated strong political will and commitment to security, noting that massive investments have been made to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, particularly in Edo Central Senatorial District.

He questioned why insecurity persists despite these interventions, stressing that responsibility for implementation rests squarely on the security agencies.

He recalled that in November last year, Governor Okpebholo donated 10 brand-new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, Irrua Area Command, with clear directives that they be deployed for patrols and rapid response in Edo Central.

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This, he said, was in addition to over 100 Hilux vehicles earlier distributed across the state and more than 400 motorcycles provided to enhance security operations, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

According to Iyere, the government has gone beyond logistics by launching Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, which led to raids and demolition of properties linked to criminal activities in Uromi, as well as recruiting and training over 2,500 vigilante operatives absorbed into the Edo State Security Corps.

He cited the recent rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Jattu by vigilante operatives as proof that the security strategy works when properly implemented.

He maintained that while government must continue to provide support, security agencies must be held accountable for lapses, urging residents and community leaders to demand answers from the police leadership, adding "Security is a collective responsibility".