Benin, Edo – The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, took a significant step toward enhancing community security by initiating the Edo State Community Safety Partnership.

The inaugural meeting, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, brought together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, the Command’s Management Team, and senior police officers to foster collaboration for safer communities.

The strategic session marked the first in a series of planned engagements with various sectors to establish the Community Safety Partnership.

CP Agbonika outlined an ambitious schedule for upcoming meetings with other groups, including industries and companies (August 30, 2025), religious institutions (September 1, 2025), traditional institutions, community, and youth leaders (September 3, 2025), farmers and herders (September 5, 2025), orphanages, schools, universities, and the Ministry of Education (September 6, 2025), financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, and POS operators (September 8, 2025), transport unions and car dealers (September 10, 2025), and PCRC, CSOs, and Honorary Mess Members (September 12, 2025).

The Edo State Community Safety Partnership, once fully established, will serve as a platform for community policing initiatives, including the Informal Policing System.

The partnership will convene monthly to address security concerns and form committees to tackle them effectively.During the meeting, CP Agbonika emphasized the critical role of the hospitality sector in crime prevention, noting that hoteliers are often the first point of contact for visitors and strangers in the state.

“Technology alone cannot win the fight against crime. Drones and gadgets will be of little value if we do not work hand in hand with you the hoteliers and hospitality sector,” he stated.

He highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration to complement the Command’s use of modern surveillance tools like drones.

The Commissioner reassured stakeholders of the Police Command’s commitment to creating a secure environment where businesses and residents can thrive.

The hospitality industry representatives pledged their support for the initiative, committing to deeper collaboration to ensure the success of the Community Safety Partnership.

CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Command, urged all stakeholders and the public to continue partnering with the police to build a safer society.

The Command’s proactive approach and inclusive strategy signal a new era of community-driven security in Edo State.