EDO STATE GOVERNMENT REFUTES FALSE SECURITY CLAIMS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO LAW, ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY

 PRESS RELEASE NO.250/EDSGH/2025

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to an online publication making the rounds on social media, alleging that a police officer attached to the Edo State Government House was involved in the unlawful transfer of firearms intercepted in Kogi State.

The report is incorrect, misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety.

For the avoidance of doubt, the officer referenced in the publication, Inspector Paul Elimwenga, is not an officer of the Edo State Government House. He is a duly deployed personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 5, Ogida, Benin City. 

Confirmation from the SPU Base 5 Administration Office, affirms that Inspector Elimwenga was posted to a VIP residence in the GRA axis, near Government House, not to the Government House itself.

Available security briefings further indicate that Inspector Elimwenga abandoned his official rifle at his private residence and absconded from duty. 

His last tracked location was in Warri, Delta State. Relevant security agencies have since commenced efforts to apprehend him and subject him to the full weight of the law.

It is important to state unequivocally that the Edo State Government maintains zero tolerance for any act that threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the State’s security architecture. 

His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, continues to demand the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and discipline from all security personnel operating within the State, whether directly or indirectly associated with government activities.

We reassure the good people of Edo State that the Government remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property. Our security agencies continue to work in close coordination, sharing intelligence, strengthening surveillance and responding promptly to emerging threats. 

No individual, regardless of affiliation, will be shielded from accountability for actions that compromise public safety.

The Edo State Government urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding and wary of sensational misinformation designed to create panic. Accurate updates will be provided through official channels as investigations progress.

*Signed*:

*Fred Itua*

*The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.*

*Friday, 28 November, 2025*.