Edo to reduce inmates awaiting trial by half

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has vowed to work with security agencies to decongest the population of awaiting trial inmates.

Obaseki spoke at the quarterly Federal and State Security Administrators’ Meeting (FSSAM) yesterday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

On herdsmen challenge, the governor said: “The herdsmen we knew in the past were only concerned about their cows, and had no business with maps. But with what we now witness, it has become imperative to seek the support of security agencies for a safe and secure business climate.”

Obaseki noted that the proliferation of hate speeches has become a national concern that must be nipped in the bud, as it portends implications not just for the people but also for attracting investment.

He said: “We are revamping Operation Thunderstorm in the state, a security initiative set up by my predecessor, former Governor Adams Oshiomole. We intend on improving the security infrastructure in the state. In this regard, we need the cooperation of members of security services who are in Edo State, including the Military, Police, and others.

“We want to decongest prisons.  We are working to reduce number of persons in the prisons. We want to reduce inmates by 50 per cent. We want to relocate the prison at Sapele road by expanding Oko prisons.”