Army chief Shaibu praises Okpebholo as Edo awaits new 83 Division

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support his administration gives the Nigerian Army in Edo State. Shaibu said this on Friday at the Government House in Benin, according to the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.

The Army chief explained that his trip covered military events and checks on projects meant to lift the welfare and effectiveness of officers and soldiers. He also said officers newly promoted to major-general are urged to give back to the communities that helped them rise.

Okpebholo, for his part, said he stayed in Benin to welcome the delegation in person, even though he had planned to travel out of the state.

Security gains and the 83 Division

The governor said Edo and the Army chief share a special bond, pointing to the attention Shaibu has given to state matters since taking office, including the planned 83 Division.

He said residents are looking forward to the division and called it an important step for the state.

Okpebholo singled out the brigade commander posted to Edo, saying his work has helped calm security worries. He said kidnapping is no longer the main talk in the state and that Ekpoma, once troubled, is now peaceful enough for people to return to their farms. He added that Okpella has also settled down.

“As I speak with you, Ekpoma is in peace. People can now go to their farms,” he said.

The governor said soldiers and other security agencies have shown they can respond quickly when trouble arises, and he promised the state's continued cooperation with the Army.

Shaibu wished Okpebholo a successful tenure.

What happens next

The planned 83 Division is still to be set up in Edo. The sources did not give a timeline or say what it will cost. For residents, the test will be whether the calm the governor describes holds in Ekpoma, Okpella and other communities.