The governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched an ‘Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists’ to tackle the rising insecurity in the state.

The governor launched the initiative on Sunday as he recruited a carefully profiled team of able-bodied men; including repentant cultists, hunters, and vigilantes.

In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua disclosed that the initiative is part of a strategic move by the office of the Principal Security Officer to the governor to curb insecurity in the state.

He also revealed that the government would coordinate the initiative alongside the PSO and the Chief Security Officer at the Government House.

The governor in his remark after the launch said his administration is committed to ensuring zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes.

He reiterated committed effort to ensure that criminality does not dictate the future of the state.

Okpebholo also ordered the PSO and CSO to ensure full implementation of the operation.

He noted to them that accountability, professionalism, and community engagement is the heart of the new initiative and must remain so.

He said; “Edo State must be safe again for our children, for investors, and for those in the diaspora who want to come home and contribute.

“Security agencies have now been placed on red alert across the state.”

The new recruits of the new squad are to form local squads within each local government area in the state and are mandated to ensure that the community are fully involved in all operations.

They must also ensure swift operational response to security threats.