The wife of legendary artist 2Baba and Edo lawmaker, Honourable Natasha Osawaru, has called for peace, unity and collaboration following recent security issues in Edo State.
She made the appeal in a video in which she expressed deep concern over the events that led to the arrest of several individuals, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
She said, “Good day, my fellow people of Edo State. As your representative and the voice of the youth in our great state, I have followed the recent events in Ekpoma with a very, very heavy heart.
“We have all seen the reports concerning the protests by students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the subsequent arrests that have followed.
“Firstly, I would like to speak directly to the students and the families of those who were affected: I hear you. Regarding the frustration, the security challenges in the Esan West axis are very valid.
“Every Edo citizen deserves to sleep with both eyes closed, and your demand for safety is a fundamental right that we, as your leaders, take very seriously.”
She further stated, “I must commend His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and timely intervention by ordering the immediate release of the genuine students who were caught up in the security sweep.
The Governor has shown that this administration is not at war with its youth.
“However, we must also face a very difficult truth. Although the protest began as a genuine cry for help, unfortunately, it was hijacked by some unfortunate miscreants who do not share our vision for a peaceful Edo State.
“The destruction of properties and targeting of traditional places, such as the Palace of the Onogie of Ekpoma, do not solve the problem of kidnapping; they only add to our collective trauma,” she emphasised.
Osawaru urged all citizens to support Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda, which focuses on deploying advanced technology and increasing security intelligence to flush criminals out of Edo State.
“To my fellow Edo people: insecurity is a common enemy. It does not look at your political party or your tribe. Our Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda, and his recent deployment of technology and increased security intelligence in the state, are designed to flush out all these criminals from our forests and our streets.
“But the government cannot do it alone. I am here to implore you: let’s work with the Governor. Security is a collaborative effort. When we protest, let’s do that peacefully and without allowing hoodlums to use our voices for violence.
“When we see suspicious movements in our community, let us report them to the authorities.
“The Governor has made it clear: there is no hiding place for kidnappers or cultists in Edo State. By supporting the security initiatives of the Governor, we are choosing a future where our children can study and our traders can travel our roads without fear.”
She urged, “Let’s remain calm, law-abiding, and united. We are a people of culture and resilience. Together, with the support of this new administration’s security roadmap, we will reclaim every inch of Edo State from those who wish us harm. God bless us all,” she said.
